The Austin Salvation Army is inviting the public to give thanks with them this Thanksgiving.

The annual Salvation Army Thanksgiving meal will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the main office at 409 First Ave. NE.

“It’s for anybody that doesn’t have a place to go,” Lt. Laura Amick said. “Anybody’s welcoming.”

The meal will feature turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.

It’s free and open to the public and traditionally served around 100 people if not more.

The Salvation Army will deliver meals to people who call 507-437-4566 by Wednesday.

Ringing in the holidays

The Salvation Army’s annual red kettle drive is already kicked off earlier this month.

The Salvation Army kicked off the annual holiday drive on Nov. 13 by receiving a $1,000 check from the Masonic Lodge, Austin Area Shrine Club and Osman Oriental Band. The Salvation Army set its goal at $170,000 this year, and Lt. David Amick said the group is aiming high as it moves ahead on its plans to build or relocate its offices and food shelf to a new site. It raised more than $150,000 last year.

The Salvation Army will have two kettles a piece at Hy-Vee and Walmart, along with kettles at Shopko, Sterling Main Street, Runnings, MarketPlaceFoods, and one will be added at Ace Hardware in December.

The Salvation Army is still looking for volunteers, who can sign up at www.registertoring.com.

There is a two hour minimum required and volunteers have through Dec. 24 to pick up a bell and herald the cause for those in need.

People can also donate to the Austin Salvation Army online at SalvationArmyNorth.org/Austin.

Upcoming kettle events

Every Friday and Saturday: The Masons ring every Friday and Saturday at both doors at Hy-vee all season, and they match all funds that are put into their kettles.

Dec. 5 at Walmart Parking: Firefighters with Austin, Dexter, Grand Meadow, Brownsdale, Lyle and Rose Creek will compete in the annual Firemen’s Challenge all day at both doors. They will be challenging each other for the traveling trophy that goes to the department that brings in the most in their kettle.

Dec. 12: Mayo Clinic will be ringing at both doors at Walmart and will match funds up to $1,000 that day.

Several other churches and groups have volunteered to ring in various places.