Volunteers at First Baptist Church of Ironton started work on Thursday for the upcoming community Thanksgiving dinner.

The dinner will be from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at the church’s fellowship hall.

The meal is geared for those needing a Thanksgiving meal, whether because of economic reasons or they will be alone on the holiday.

Local businesses, along with the church’s congregation and contributions from the community, have purchased turkeys and other items for the meal.

“We know that the City Mission does a meal on Thanksgiving,” Eric Barnes, church pastor, said. “We wanted to provide other opportunities for any families.”

This is the second year for the church to host the holiday meal. The church’s goal is to serve 300 families.

Last year volunteers also served the turkey dinners to inmates at the county jail and those at the juvenile home.

If there is enough food left after the Saturday meal, the church hopes to again share with the jail and the juvenile home.