Karns City Communities That Care is hosting its sixth annual Thanksgiving dinner in a different way this year.

Volunteers are getting ready to cook and distribute 300 meals during the dinner, scheduled from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Karns City Junior-Senior High School.

The meals will be distributed from the high school concession stand located between the cafeteria and football stadium.

Until this year, the Thanksgiving meals were served at a dinner in the cafeteria. The COVID-19 pandemic forced the change to a meal distribution.

An average of 200 to 225 meals typically are served at the dinners, but the expected turnout is unknown, said Alex Spalding, food service director for the school district. “Some think we'll serve less. Some think we'll serve more due to greater need,” Spalding said.

Organizers decided to play it safe and prepare 300 meals rather than plan for fewer people and not have enough food for everybody, he said. If turnout is low, larger servings will be distributed, he said.

He said 15 cafeteria employees, CTC board members and district employees are volunteering to prepare and distribute the meals.

The meals will include roast turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, stuffing, corn and a slice of pumpkin pie.

The volunteers will wear masks and people who come should also wear them, he said. Masks will be available for those who need them. Social distancing will be practiced, Spalding said.