Shelter planning Thanksgiving Day meal

The Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter is gearing up for its annual community Thanksgiving Day meal Nov. 22 at the shelter, 402 Oak St., Texarkana, Texas.

Donations are needed, including turkeys, hams, side dishes, pies or the grocery items used in traditional Thanksgiving fare.

“We need everything that goes into making a Thanksgiving dinner for 350 to 400 people,” said Helen Diggs, shelter executive director. “We’ve already put out the call for turkeys and hams so the kitchen manager can start baking them or cooking them already. People can either bring fixed dishes or the groceries to make them. It’s helpful either way.”

Other needed items include paper plates, plastic utensils, trash bags, cups etc.

The meal isn’t only for residents of the shelter but people in the community who may not have anywhere else to do on the holiday.

“We are not just serving the shelter but people who might be by themselves and don’t have anywhere to go in for Thanksgiving. We let them know they’re not on their own- come sit with us,” Diggs said. “Last year we served a little more than 350 people.” Volunteers are also needed. “We’ll take anyone that wants to come help. We do want to stagger the volunteers because sometimes we’ll end up with more volunteers than people being fed so we’re going to do a couple of shifts and they will start around 10 a.m.,” Diggs said.

People interested in volunteering can call Glenda Thrash at 903-2787760. Food can be dropped off at the shelter at 402 Oak St., Texarkana, Texas.

For more information call the shelter at 903-792-7024.