The annual community Thanksgiving meal at First United Methodist Church has happened for so long, no one knows exactly when it began.

Again this year, organizers at the church are planning to prepare more than 1,000 meals next week for all who want one.

“We’re buying food for 1,500 people and we don’t have 1,500 people signed up yet,” organizer and church member Mike Jackson said.

People can call the church office to request delivery of a meal or they can simply show up in the church fellowship hall on Thanksgiving Day after 10 a.m.

The bulk of the meals, usually around 1,400, will be delivered by volunteers throughout the county.

Often, entire families will deliver meals as part of their Thanksgiving tradition.

“The one thing we need is the delivery people to take the food to recipients,” Jackson said.

People are also needed to help serve meals at the church or just visit with those who come in to eat.

Volunteers can sign up by calling the church office at 744-5410 or show up Thursday around 10 a.m. at the church, 204 S. Main St.

Through the years, the meal has become more than just a church project, Jackson said.

“Over half of the people who come and help out aren’t from the church,” he said. “It’s truly a community event now. We just host it.”