The local Alliance of Churches is expecting several hundred guests today for the annual community Thanksgiving feast at the Lakeview Center.

"We just know that in this economy that there's a lot of people that are struggling and trying to manage very tight budgets, who may not have the means to provide a nice Thanksgiving banquet type meal for their families because of money concerns," said Doug Powell, an alliance volunteer.

"Our belief in the church community is that we ought to reach a hand out in Christian love to try to help those folks enjoy the holidays."

In its second year, the event is also designed for those who find themselves alone on the holiday.

"There are also some people who may be alone and don't have the opportunity to travel and be with family members," Powell said.

The feast of turkey and all the trimmings, including a variety of desserts, will be served by volunteers from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the center, 2057 Dawson Forest Road.

"Last year, we had about 250 people, counting the volunteers who served. We're expecting more than that this year," Powell said.

The food, donated by the Church of Latter-day Saints and RIC Rack, will be prepared by volunteers from the group's respective churches.

"The preparation will be done in individual homes the day before the meal and then the churches will make transportation available to get that food to the Lakeview Center on Wednesday to be served that evening," Powell said.

The Alliance of Churches, which formed in Dawson County about three years ago, meets monthly to discuss concerns and opportunities to serve the community.

"We hope to do additional projects in the future, in addition to the Thanksgiving meal," Powell said.