Thanksgiving Day is less than two weeks away, and the Salvation Army in Cape Girardeau still is in need of donations to prepare for its annual meal.

The local not-for-profit agency has been hosting the lunchtime meal that feeds thousands in the community since 1983.

Capt. Ronnie Amick estimated about 2,200 people attended last year's event. Another large crowd is anticipated this year.

So far, donations of food and supplies are not keeping up with the need. Amick said donations seem to be going "very, very slow."

"We've received probably not even 5 percent of everything we need," he said.

The Salvation Army has a list of requested donations it issues every year before Thanksgiving. It includes food items such as potatoes, rolls, stuffing and turkeys but also asks for many nonfood items.

To prepare for the meal, the organization also needs aluminum foil, paper products for carryout meals, napkins, silverware and more.

"From that list we sent out, we still need pretty much everything," Amick said.

Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m. at the Salvation Army at 701 Good Hope St. in Cape Girardeau.

Amick said any turkey donations should be made no later than Nov. 23 to allow for enough time to thaw and prepare them for the meal Nov. 26. Other donations may be dropped off until the day before Thanksgiving.

A few volunteer shifts still are available for the Thanksgiving meal. The Salvation Army relies on volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, such as serving food, preparing drinks and delivering meals. To sign up for a shift as a volunteer, visit www.tsacapegirardeau.org/cape_girardeau/volunteer and click on the "become a volunteer" button.

The meal will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

srinehart@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3641

Pertinent address:

701 Good Hope St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

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Requested donations

• turkeys and hams
• mashed potatoes and gravy
• sweet potatoes
• green beans
• dressing/stuffing
• rolls
• cranberry sauce
• celery
• onions
• marshmallows
• brown sugar
• butter
• steam table pans (aluminum)
• large aluminum foil
• small aluminum foil
• small cups (8oz)
• salt and pepper shakers
• salt and pepper, individual packages
• paper products for carryout meals
• silverware
• napkins