The Turlock Gospel Mission is planning to celebrate Thanksgiving with a large block party complete with a traditional turkey meal and kickoff the event with what is expected to become an annual community flag football game.

“We want to put on a good dinner and create a real family atmosphere,” said TGM Executive Director Tim Guerino.

The block party will be in front of TGM’s year-round shelter, which is currently under construction. D Street, between Broadway and First Street will be closed for the event from 6:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday.

TGM plans on serving about 600 meals at the free event, which means teams will be busy cooking up hundreds of turkeys beginning at 9 a.m. on Wednesday at the Stanislaus County Fairgrounds.

“It is a real logistical operation that gives us a bit of a challenge, but we’ll get it all done with God’s help,” Guerino said.

The organization is looking for donations and volunteers to help with the community dinner. In particular, TGM needs individuals to help prepare  and serve the food, as well as individuals who can help with setting up the event and cleaning up at the end.

Anyone wishing to make financial donation to assist with the Thanksgiving dinner can do so online at www.turlockgospelmission.org. Those wishing to volunteer can contact Rhonda@turlockgospelmission.org or at 656-1033.

The flag football game will be played at a Turlock park yet to be determined. The co-ed game of 11 adults per team will begin at 9 a.m. Thanksgiving. Those interested in participating in the game can contact Mark Brown at 277-6494 to sign-up.