For the past 11 years, Thanksgiving meals have been offered at the River City Rescue Mission.

Meals have also been taken to those who are homebound.

The mission will continue the tradition again this year and is asking for community support in helping those less fortunate.

“We need around 80 turkeys and hams,” River City Rescue Mission Director Earnie Hall said. “There is a great need. People are looking for Thanksgiving boxes and turkeys to feed their families.”

Hall said last year the mission served about 175 meals, and that did not include the food boxes that were delivered.

“We also scoured through the streets to make sure no one was left out,” he said.

In addition to turkeys and hams, Hall said they are also looking for side dishes and desserts.

“We will be accepting anything that you would put on your table,” he said.

Food items can already be prepared while donations of canned and dry goods are also welcome.

On Thanksgiving Day, volunteers will be needed to help serve as well as deliver meals.

“We have a lot of volunteers from across the city who come and put it (the meal) together and deliver,” Hall said, adding, “Parents bring their kids in to get a taste of the other side and what it means to serve.”

Hall is requesting that the turkey and hams be brought to the mission by Monday.

This is when, Hall said, they will begin delivering food boxes.

Also, “We have to cook all the turkeys to do all that feeding on Thanksgiving,” he said.

Those who are interested in donating can deliver their foods to the mission, 3705 Washington St. The mission is open 24-hours every day.

For volunteers who would like to help prepare and cook the week of Thanksgiving, they are welcome to come to the mission from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m.

On Thanksgiving Day, Hall said, volunteers typically gather at about 9 a.m.

“It’s always been amazing seeing people taking care of people, and we have a community for that and it is awesome to watch,” Hall said.