The Dawson County Alliance of Churches is planning its Third Annual Community Thanksgiving meal. The event will take place Wednesday, Nov. 21, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lakeview Center on Dawson Forest Road.

We know there are people out there who would like to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal, said Doug Powell who helped launch the event through Grace Presbyterian Church. People may be alone and dont want to trouble themselves or they may not have the means to buy all the ingredients. Were trying to provide an opportunity for people to come share in the Thanksgiving celebration and to build the community in the process.

Food has been donated and is being prepared by several local churches and volunteers. Its first year, 45 to 50 meals were served; last year, 250. This years target is 400 meals.

The meal includes all the traditional Thanksgiving Day dishes turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, green beans, and a full spread of desserts.

The Alliance also provides Thanksgiving Day meals to the Senior Center for people unable to attend and to the Dawson County Sheriffs Office and fire station for those who work on Thanksgiving.

Vernon and Jeannie Smith have donated the Lakeview Center and several staff members to help with the festivities.