Everything is falling into place for Escalon’s annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner, which will be served tomorrow, Nov. 24 on Thanksgiving Day.

Offered at the Escalon Community Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., first year coordinator Dianna Dunn said she has been overwhelmed by the generosity of the community and is eager to have a good turnout of diners to share the traditional holiday meal.

“Just within the last couple of days, I have gotten a number of calls with people stepping up to help out,” Dunn said on Tuesday. “I’m going to pick up more donations today, we have a lot of people helping that have a lot of knowledge about cooking, and P and L Concrete donated flowers to help decorate.”

The free community meal is underwritten by the Escalon Ministerial Association and is open to all. Families are especially encouraged and the dinner also attracts many of the area’s elderly and those that may not have family in the area. Home delivery is also provided for shut-ins that have signed up for the meal and there is ‘take out’ for those that want to come to the Community Center and pick up their meal to take and eat at home.

“It’s turning out really good,” Dunn said excitedly. “I want it to be very family-oriented.”

Dunn said she also has put the word out to local pastors, hoping many of them will make time to come in and visit with diners, perhaps even offer a prayer of Thanksgiving on the special day.

Some attendees do make a contribution to the Escalon Ministerial Association for the dinner but there is no cost to attend; donations are strictly optional.

There will be a flurry of activity at the Community Center today, as crews move in to set up the dining area and do prep work for the meal. Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, salad, rolls, green beans with bacon, even pumpkin pie for dessert will all be included for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

“It’s amazing how many people are showing up to help, how many contributions are coming in,” added Dunn. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”