When Joann Dornhecker’s family was unable to make it home for Thanksgiving 21 years ago, she decided to fill a need and volunteer at the Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving dinner.

More than two decades later, Dornhecker says she and her husband, Jim, can’t imagine spending the holiday any other way.

“From the first dinner, we could see that there was definitely a need to hold a dinner in I. Falls for those who either had no family to celebrate the holiday with or those who could not afford to buy all the food required to have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner,” she said. “People were so grateful and expressed that to the volunteers. It was heartwarming to be able to do this for our community.”

The Salvation Army’s annual community Thanksgiving dinner is set for 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 28 at the Elk’s Lodge 1599, 215 Third Street. And Beverly Mayfield, envoy at the Salvation Army, expects this year’s feast to be the best yet.

“Last year, we had about 500 people attend,” she said. “We are anticipating to have about 500, if not more, people come this year.”

Anyone in the community is welcome to attend the dinner, regardless of income or any other situation.

“Everyone is invited,” Mayfield said. “Thanksgiving can be a sad time for people who may not have a family and this is an opportunity to spend it with others. Or, families who just want to come, can. It is like one big, community family.”

Dornhecker says she agrees.

“(Attending the dinner) is a great time to visit and see people that perhaps you don’t see at any other time of the year,” she said. “It is a great feeling of people working together to have a holiday dinner for the community...It is a great way to start the holiday season.”

Mayfield said the dedication and commitment of the dinner’s volunteers is what makes the event successful. She said without them, the meal wouldn’t be possible.

“We have volunteers of all ages,” she said. “It is so wonderful to see all the help we receive.”

Dornhecker said volunteering at the dinner has become a family affair.

“Jim is the potato guy, he has made all the potatoes for many years,” she said. “Our granddaughter, Meggan, started helping with us and now she comes as a volunteer for the Falls High School Student Council.”

This year, 24 turkeys have been ordered to be cooked and prepared by Stewart’s Super One Foods.

“We find that this many turkeys feeds about 500 people,” Mayfield said. “We’ve never run out, but we’ve come close.”

Take-out meals are also offered for those who are unable to travel to the event. Mayfield said anyone needing a meal can call the Salvation Army at 283-3394 or the Elk’s Lodge at 283-3440 to be put on a list.

Both Mayfield and Dornhecker vowed people who attend the Thanksgiving meal will not be disappointed.

“(The dinner) fills a need in the community and everyone who attends takes away something – from a great dinner, to visiting with loved ones, to seeing people that they have not seen all year,” Dornhecker said. “There is a festive feeling in the room and I have never seen anyone leave grumpy.”

Mayfield offered her gratitude and blessings to those who volunteer at and attend the feast.

“I hope to see everyone there,” she said. “It is going to be such a fun time.”