FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Thanksgiving is this Thursday. It’s also the largest meal of the year for The Rescue Mission at 301 W. Superior St. in Fort Wayne, and staff and volunteers have been busy preparing enough food for more than 3,000 Thanksgiving meals.

“We’re never sure exactly how many people will turn to The Rescue Mission for their Thanksgiving meal, so we want to be prepared,” said Rev. Donovan Coley, CEO/Senior Pastor of The Rescue Mission. “Thanksgiving is an exciting time for us, and we’re blessed with many donors who have made this meal possible.”

There is little to no preparation for the meal happening in these final few days leading up to Thanksgiving, as kitchen staff and volunteers have been busy preparing the turkeys for the past two weeks. Day-of preparations will begin at around 10AM, with the meal served from noon until 3PM for both dine-in and carry-out.

“Anyone who needs a meal is welcome,” Coley said. “You don’t ever have to be homeless to enjoy a meal at The Rescue Mission. We welcome anyone who is in need of a delicious, hot meal.”

The Thanksgiving meal at The Rescue Mission is made possible by donated food items from area individuals and groups, cash donations, and the assistance of nearly 200 volunteers. All volunteer positions for the serving of the Thanksgiving meal are filled, but there are still openings for the Christmas meal.