The Salvation Army of Fort Dodge is once again hosting its annual community wide Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 26.

All are welcome to a traditional turkey dinner with all the fixings. Last year, more than 340 meals were served to the community.

"As the economy continues to falter and unemployment has reached record heights, the Salvation Army is sounding an urgent call to our Webster County neighbors to respond generously to the needs of the less fortunate this Thanksgiving. The Army is asking for immediate donations of cash and food items as well as volunteers to help with meal service during the Thanksgiving holiday," the Salvation Army said in a press release.

For those who would like to donate food items, Fort Dodge Ford is again holding a nonperishable food drive. Items needed are potatoes, corn, green beans and packaged stuffing mix, canned sweet potatoes and yams, and gravy mix. In addition, perishable food items, such as, milk, turkeys, butter, bacon and whipped cream can be dropped off at the Salvation Army. Monetary support is also needed and always appreciated.

"We know people have been seriously affected by the deep recession over the past year, yet we are deeply grateful to those generous friends in our community who have provided faithfully support for families and individuals struggling, now more than ever, to make ends meet," said Capt. Danielle Shields of the Salvation Army in Fort Dodge. "But unfortunately, the need keeps escalating, and the amount of public support is just not keeping up. It's particularly sad for us to see that there are growing numbers of families with children who have lost their homes due to the mortgage crisis and foreclosures who are now needing our help.

"The continuing economic situation- growing unemployment, increasing food and fuel prices, the housing and credit crisis has contributed to the drop in local donations as well. With consumer confidence shaky, discretionary income is adversely affected, decreasing the dollars for donations to organizations like fhe Salvation Army. In fact, some who have been generous supporters in the past are now coming to our doors in need of help themselves."

Many struggling individuals feel forgotten and disheartened as they approach this Thanksgiving season, but the Salvation Army officials believe the community will once again step forward and lend a helping hand to those who need it most, "We've been doing this work in Fort Dodge since 1891, so we're not going to turn away any deserving neighbor now," said Shields. "The Salvation Army plans on doing the most good we can with the gifts we receive to help those in the greatest need in our community. And we urge our friends, those whose circumstances will allow, to dig deep this year to spread the spirit of Thanksgiving to those who are facing particularly hard times."

For more information or to volunteer, contact Sharka Alstott, 576-1281.