With prep work for the meal already under way, Salvation Army Capt. Ed Cheshire said the charity's staff — along with an army of volunteers — will be ready for the annual event Thursday morning.

“We brought in most of the supplies and groceries Monday, and from there it's just like a whirlwind,” said Cheshire with a laugh. “Our people have been doing this for a very long time, so they know what has to get done and aren't afraid to work hard. The bulk of the work will be completed Wednesday.”

Cheshire said several local civic groups are expected to volunteer their time to make the Thanksgiving feast a success, but more help is always welcome around the local charity's kitchen.

“It really is just an immense amount of work, and it has to be done in a fairly short period of time,” said Cheshire. “Our volunteers are absolutely vital to that process. We have groups that come in just about every year and help, and this year we're hoping to see some new faces as well. Giving your time and volunteering during Thanksgiving really gives you a new perspective on the holiday.”

According to Salvation Army officials, the meal is free and offers the charity a chance to give something back to a community that has supported it for many years.

“This is our way of saying thank you to the community,” said Paula Lafler, a social worker with the organization. “The dinner is free, so no one has to go without a good Thanksgiving meal this year.”

Lafler said area residents wanting to volunteer their services to help prepare the meal can simply show up at the charity's office, located at 811 W. Fifth St.

“They can call if they need more information, or if they just want to let us know they are coming. However, if they just want to show up at the office we'll be more than happy to put them to work,” said Lafler. “We're also going to need volunteers to help Thanksgiving morning.”

Lafler said volunteers are expected to begin delivering meals to homebound residents at approximately 9 a.m. Thursday, but there's plenty of work for the Salvation Army staff and volunteers to do in the meantime.

“As we have in the past, we'll be delivering meals to those who can't make it here to the Salvation Army office for dinner,” said Lafler. “However, we need to get a solid count of how many meals will need to be delivered. What we're asking is for people who need a meal delivered call before 4 p.m. Wednesday to make arrangements. We'll be delivering meals Thanksgiving day until about 11 a.m.”

This year's holiday menu will be filled with traditional Thanksgiving fare, according to Cheshire.

“Thanksgiving just isn't Thanksgiving without turkey,” he said with a laugh. “We'll also have the traditional trimmings, like dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, and green beans. A lot of work goes into preparing a Thanksgiving meal, but it's well worth it.”

Volunteers aren't the only aspect of the holiday dinner the local charity will be looking for, according to Lafler.

“We also need people to donate pies and other desserts for the meal,” she said.

Cheshire said the in-house meal will be served in the Salvation Army's dining hall from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.

“It’s open to everyone in the community,” said Cheshire. “Anyone — and I do mean anyone — who would like to come in and have a great Thanksgiving meal can just walk through our doors and grab a plate. Bring your family and have a great meal.”

For more information on how you can help, or to set up a meal delivery, contact the Big Spring Salvation Army at 267-8239.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it