Friends of a Brighter Community, which is a group of people from different denominations who volunteer to prepare and serve an annual Thanksgiving dinner at First Baptist Church, is expecting an even bigger crowd this year than last.

Melva Houston-Tucker, who heads up the effort, has a passion for preparing the community Thanksgiving meal, and this year is no exception.

“This is for anyone who would like to get together for a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner,” Houston said.

The meal will be served on Thursday starting at noon and continuing until 5 p.m. Last year, she said the group served between 375 and 400 people.

Houston said 15 to 20 people have already lined up to volunteer to prepare and serve the meals, with more calling every day offering to volunteer.

“I should have a lot of help that day,” Houston said.

Tim Elliott of B52’s and Elliott’s on Main is allowing Houston to use the kitchen in Elliott’s to prepare some of the food a day in advance.

“He’s helping me a lot. Letting me use his kitchen and he’s providing a lot of food this year,” Houston said.

She said she typically cooks all of the dressing at her home. But this year she will be preparing the Thanksgiving staple in his restaurant kitchen.

This year, the meal will consist of turkey, dressing, green beans, mashed potatoes, rolls, a dessert and a drink.

“I have a lot of people who come and celebrate and eat because they will either be at home alone, or they don’t have the food, and some people just want to come and fellowship, so they bring their families for that. It’s just wonderful to be able to do this.”

Houston emphasized that the meal is a community event, so she wanted to invite people who have to work that day such as firefighters, police officers, hospital employees — or anyone who has to work and doesn’t have time to spend with their family or prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal. She said they can even get their meal to go.

Churches and individuals typically bring donations of dessert for the meal.

“I have one young lady who is going to cook about 10 to 12 pumpkin pies. It’s going to be great.”

Contact Mondee Tilley at mtilley@mtairynews.com or at 719-1930.