Gathering with family and friends is a big part of Thanksgiving – and this week, many Marshall area residents are getting ready to share holiday meals with their neighbors. In Marshall, volunteers are working to prepare the community Thanksgiving meal that will be held at Grace Life Church.

More than 100 volunteers come together to prepare food and serve Thanksgiving dinner, estimated Kelly Deutz, one of the event organizers.

“There are a lot (of volunteers) that are returning. Some help every year, and that’s how they spend their Thanksgiving,” Deutz said.

The community Thanksgiving dinner in Marshall will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, at the fellowship and worship center at Grace Life Church.

Some of the prep work for the community Thanksgiving starts in the summer, Deutz said. Home-grown vegetables like corn and squash are used for side dishes in the meal, she said. Volunteer work kicks into high gear this week. Today and Wednesday, groups volunteer to set tables, and to peel about 225 pounds of potatoes for Thanksgiving dinner. More volunteers donate pies and desserts, work to prepare and serve the food, and deliver meals to homebound people on Thanksgiving day.

For many people, helping to share a home-cooked meal with others is one of the enjoyable things about volunteering at the community Thanksgiving, Deutz said.

“It’s nice hearing the stories that come from it,” Deutz said.

Marshall isn’t the only area community where Thanksgiving meals are being held. The following communities will all be holding community meals on Thursday:

CANBY

A community Thanksgiving meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at First Presbyterian Church in Canby. A free-will donation will be accepted, with proceeds going back to the community.

MINNEOTA

A family-style Thanksgiving meal will be served at noon Thursday at Bethel Fellowship Church in Minneota. Reservations are preferred, but not required.

TRACY

A community Thanksgiving meal will be served from noon to 1 p.m. Thursday at Tracy Alliance Church. No donations are ncessary.

TYLER

A community Thanksgiving meal will be served Thursday at the Tyler Alliance Church. Seating will be at 11:30, with dinner served at noon. People can call 507-247-3824 for reservations or questions.