ESCANABA – The annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be held once again this year on Thanksgiving Day at Escanaba High School.

The free meal will be served in the school cafeteria from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m..

The event aims to provide a place where no one will feel alone on Thanksgiving. If you can’t stick around, to-go meals are available for anyone who needs them.

DATA Bus transportation is available upon request.

The dinner will be a traditional Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberries, rolls, and assorted desserts.

This year, the organizers project serving approximately 750 meals.

Last year, organizers served 635 meals, including 570 pounds of turkey, 250 pounds of mashed potatoes, and 96 slices of pie.

Volunteer Coordinator Shannon Hereau said there are roughly 70 members of the community volunteering to make the dinner possible.

Organizers ask those interested to make reservations, especially if you plan to get a meal.

“Reservations are highly encouraged, especially with the to-go meals, just so we know how many we need to prep for, but they don’t necessarily need to make reservations for the sit-down dinner,” Hereau said.

She added that she wants anyone and everyone to attend the dinner, including the hunters who have been out at camp for firearm season.

“It is open to absolutely anybody regardless of income, regardless of (whether it’s a) single person, family, friends, you name it. You know, we just want to put on the event so everyone has access to Thanksgiving,” Hereau said.

Those interested in making reservations can call (906) 786-8850 for to-go options. Reservations, donations and other pertinent information can be found at www.communitythanksgivingdinner.org.

Escanaba High School is located at 500 South Lincoln Road in Escanaba.