NORWICH - The Emmanuel Episcopal Church, also known as "The Soul Kitchen," located at 37 West Main Street in Norwich, prepared to serve up Thanksgiving dinners to as many people as possible but had no idea they would surpass the 975 meals served last year.

John Klockowski and Gary Brookins, along with a kitchen full of volunteers began preparing a week in advance for the festive dinner.

Thanksgiving day arrived with home deliveries, take-out and dine-in meals, totaling higher than they anticipated.

“What a day we had,” said Klockowski, “We served 1,035 meals.”

He said the dinner consisted of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pie and many positive comments were on the food.

Klockowski said he was pleased to serve those that otherwise wouldn't have had a Thanksgiving meal.

He noted, “This dinner and the 'Soul Kitchen' operations would not be possible without the support of the Episcopal Church, Father Steve White and former Father Chuck Taylor, and all the hard work and planning by Gary Brookins and the dedicated team of volunteers.

“We have already started planning for next year's dinner,” Klockowski added.

The traditional Thanksgiving dinner spans 20 years and was started by Reverend Charlie McMullen, who Klockowski said he was fortunate to work alongside before he passed.

He holds a deep reverence of his friend McMullen, for not only realizing so many were going without a meal- but acting on it and creating this passionate offering.

For more information email emmanuelchurch20@gmail.com.