COEUR d'ALENE - A plan is in the works to feed 1,000 people - for free - on Thanksgiving.

The dinner will be at Fedora Pub & Grille in Coeur d'Alene. All are welcome.

John Malee and Mallory Mattern are offering their restaurant and staff for the project. Kiwanis of Coeur d'Alene has donated $1,000 to help purchase food, while churches, agencies, businesses and other service organizations are joining in.

"It's not only dinner but a time for our community to link arms and show that we are all in this together," organizers said in a press release.

"The Community Action Partnership is expecting to serve 3,500 families with Thanksgiving baskets at our location in Coeur d'Alene; however, we have no idea where the turkeys are coming from," said Carolyn Shewfelt, Director of the Community Action Partnership in Coeur d'Alene.

"Based on the current population and economic situation, the food banks are currently serving more people with less available resources," Shewfelt said.

Organizers say providing Thanksgiving dinner at Fedora may relieve pressure from families trying to afford Thanksgiving this year and the local food banks.

Bags of non-perishable food items will also be distributed.

Transportation to Fedora is also being planned with local agencies and churches. People can also ride the City Link bus, which has stops north and south of Fedora.

"The bottom line is, everyone is welcome," said organizers, which includes a Kitchen Connection Group committee.

The holiday meals will be from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fedora Pub & Grille, 1726 W. Kathleen. Food items and monetary donations are still needed.

Donations can be dropped off at The Fedora or Prairie Avenue Christian Center, 3639 W. Prairie Ave.

To help, call Jenny Stark, 772-7541.