Preparations are underway at a local church for Thursday's free Thanksgiving feast. We caught up with the crew at Trinity Lutheran as they prepped for the big turkey day.

Organizers say they're cooking more than enough for 200 people this year. Over the last six or so years, around 130 people have feasted. But, as always, anyone and everyone is welcome.

"It's kind of the forgotten holiday. It's all about leftovers, but there are a lot of people that feel left out," says Eric Nelson who organizes the annual event.

But, with the amount of company he expects, comes plenty of chopping, foiling, peeling, washing, and planning.

We have "100 pounds of potatoes, 80 pounds of sweet potatoes, 20 bags of stuffing. We make creamed corn from scratch and I make gravy from scratch," Nelson says.

And of course there are also the 25 turkeys. They'll be delivered on Thanksgiving—home cooked at 25 volunteer homes. They’re volunteers who are happily lending their hands for so many reasons. They talk of helping others in need, helping the community, putting smiles on faces, and just spending time with their own family.

So while, yes, the stoves will be on, the ovens ready, it's the spirit of Thanksgiving that really warms the hearts of the volunteers and they hope their guests too.

Trinity Lutheran is offering its free Thanksgiving meal from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday. The church is at Clairemont and Lexington. It's the one with the sloping roof.

The Community Table and Hope Gospel Mission are also hosting free Thanksgiving meals in Eau Claire. The one at the Community Table runs from 11 to 2 p.m. Hope Gospel's is from noon to 2 p.m.

In Chippewa Falls, you're also welcome at the Salvation Army's Thanksgiving meal at Central Lutheran Church on Columbia street. They're serving from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving!