The community is invited to come together and give thanks while enjoying a free Thanksgiving meal featuring 18 cases of turkeys.
The annual community Thanksgiving dinner hosted by the Poplar Bluff student council will be held from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday at Poplar Bluff High School.
"The event is important because it's a chance to give back to the community and for those who may not have Thanksgiving dinner," said Trish Wilson, a Poplar Bluff R-1 food service employee.
Community members, not only from Poplar Bluff, are invited to feast from a menu featuring turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans and dessert.
The Poplar Bluff School District food service team prepares for the event two days in advance cooking 18 cases of turkeys, whipping up 100 pounds of green beans, four cases of mashed potatoes and 1,200 servings of dressing, Wilson said.
Last year, approximately 1,100 meals were served and Wilson predicts to increase the number to 1,200 Tuesday evening.
Chartwells picks up the cost of the food, while school staff donate their time to help serve the community.
The PBHS band, jazz band and choir are scheduled to perform during the meal while elementary students have designed placemats.
Student council members will also be accepting monetary donations at the door to provide Christmas gifts for residents of Haven House, a domestic violence shelter.
"This is a free event, so anyone is welcome to attend," said Student Council Advisor Mitch Davis. "This is a time for community fellowship and to be thankful for all of the good things Poplar Bluff has been blessed with in recent time."