Gathering to share a meal is a big part of the Thanksgiving holiday for many area residents. And around southwest Minnesota, church and community groups will be hosting Thanksgiving dinners on Thursday.

In Marshall, Grace Life Church will be serving a free Thanksgiving meal at the church’s fellowship and worship center. Dine-in seating will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday. Meal deliveries are also available for people who are homebound. People interested in having a meal delivered are asked to call 507-476-5138 before 5 p.m. today.

Over the years, the community meal at Grace Life has become a tradition for local volunteers. Community members work together to prepare ingredients and food for the meal, and donate desserts. Volunteers also set tables and decorate the dining space, help serve during the dinner, and deliver meals on Thanksgiving day.

Other communities around the Marshall area will also be holding Thanksgiving meals. Meals will be held in the following communities on Thursday:

Canby

A Thanksgiving meal will be served at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A free-will donation will be accepted, with proceeds going to the Prairie Five food shelf.

Minneota

A Thanksgiving community meal will be served at Bethel Fellowship Church at noon. Reservations are preferred, but not required. People are asked to call pastor Tom Nomeland at 507-872-6498 or 507-828-1637. A free-will donation will be accepted.

Tracy

A free Thanksgiving dinner will be served at noon at the Tracy Alliance Church.

Tyler

The Tyler Alliance Church will serve its eighth annual free Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday. Meal includes turkey, trimmings and pumpkin pie. Seating is at 11:30 a.m., with the meal served at noon. People can call the church at 507-247-3824 with questions.