The Salvation Army every year provides a Thanksgiving lunch for the needy.

This is a tremendous, humble time to provide a helping hand.

There are plenty of ways for people to help. The Salvation Army needs food donations, ranging from turkeys and hams to table place mats and silverware. Donations may be dropped off at the Salvation Army at 701 Good Hope St. in Cape Girardeau.

Volunteers may help with the meal itself by serving and busing tables.

At its last Thanksgiving lunch, the not-for-profit organization and community volunteers served 2,132 visitors, a record number. The Salvation Army has been hosting the meal since 1983.

Consider giving to or volunteering for the Thanksgiving meal this year. You can go to tsacapegirardeau.org to find out more about how you can help.