Before relatives arrive and Turkey Day prep time begins, members of the American Legion Post 143 in Post Falls are inviting one and all to enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving meal on them.

"We’re showing our appreciation to the community for their support toward us," Post 143 Commander Jim Culpepper said Wednesday.

The free Thanksgiving dinner will be served from 1-4 p.m. Saturday at the Post Falls American Legion, 1138 E. Poleline Ave. As many as 15 volunteers will cook and help serve 20 turkeys with all the fixings — mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, a variety of salads and dessert. Coffee and water will be served.

Post 143 has hosted this pre-Thanksgiving meal the weekend before the holiday for about 16 years, except for when the COVID-19 pandemic halted events in 2020. In 2021, Legion members and volunteers hosted dining service and held a drive-through version so those who opted not to dine in could swing by to take turkey dinners home.

"It gives the families a chance to come in here, they get a break and they get their traditional Thanksgiving dinner a week afterward," Culpepper said.

The Legion is expecting to serve as many as 400 people. Last year about 300 community members were served.

Post Adjutant Tim Shaw said it means everything to be able to give back to the community in this way.

"We all get lost in our day-to-day activities," Shaw said. "A lot of what we do here centers around the veterans and those who served, but this is one chance to thank the community as a whole for their support for the Legion."

The meal is paid for by donations from generous Legion members and vendors.

"It's one of those feel-good days," Shaw said. "People are very gracious. They thank us immensely when they're being served in line. It’s one of those special days we have throughout the year, and we’re grateful we’re able to do this."