NORWICH – While many travel or prepare a yearly dinner tradition this Thanksgiving, volunteers at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church will be busy coordinating their annual Free Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

Takeouts and home deliveries (within a two mile radius) for the meal begin at 11 a.m. on Thursday, with regular seating and dinner commencement at noon at the parish center of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church on 37 West Main St. Volunteers will confront the challenge of preparing turkey along with all the trimmings and serving the community. Cooks, deliverers, cleaners and servers have vowed to work throughout the afternoon, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a hot Thanksgiving meal and the joyous benefits of dining with pleasant company.

“The event usually sees anywhere between 250 and 300 community members take advantage of this offer every year,” said volunteer and dinner coordinator Charles McMullen. “Of those, about 175 are deliveries,” he added.

The free dinner has been a tradition in the community for decades. McMullen said he has been volunteering for this event since 1998 and every year, he is more than happy to play a role in providing a good meal for those who may otherwise not enjoy the same Thanksgiving rituals as so many others.