Volunteers at the DECC preparing for Thanksgiving buffet

DULUTH, Minn.– The biggest Thanksgiving dinner in the Northland is currently receiving it’s finishing touches.

The DECC’s free Thanksgiving meal is staffed by volunteers from the college of St. Scholastica, Minnesota Power, and Mid Coast Catering.

They’re preparing more than 2,200 pounds of turkey and mashed potatoes, 500 gallons of gravy, and 100 pounds of stuffing.

The team is ready to serve 4,000 guests, with enough food for up to 6,000 guests.

With challenges around SNAP benefits this year, one volunteer says, the tradition feels especially meaningful.

“Being able to offer an event like this free of charge, especially now, it feels like there’s a lot of people who are struggling this year with the economy. You know, we had the whole SNAP benefit situation. So, I you know we’re not sure what to expect, but we’re very thankful and grateful that we can do this year after year,” said Monica Hendrickson.

The dinner will take place at the Lake Superior Ballroom and is open to anyone.

Guests can grab a meal from 11 am to 3 pm.

The DTA will be providing free rides for attendees as well.

The full DTA schedule for the holiday is available on their website.