Volunteers who plan to cook and deliver hundreds of free Thanksgiving meals to the needy in Barrington, Bristol, Warren, Riverside and Central Falls need turkeys.

Judy Fardig, president of Warren Unit #11 of the American Legion Auxiliary, which organizes the free meals program every year, said she needs 68 turkeys to feed the more than 300 people who will sign up by Thanksgiving. As of press time, a dozen had been donated.

“We know it’s early, so the community has time to come through for us, as it always does,’’ Mrs. Fardig said.

Turkeys can be left off at the Market Street Pub in Warren any time after 3 p.m.

This is the program's 32nd year, and help is needed in more ways than just food donation. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the meals at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Warren, deliver them, and help with the cleanup afterwards. Preparation begins at 6:30 Thanksgiving eve, and continues at 10 Thanksgiving morning.

Last Thanksgiving, volunteers led by Warren Unit 11 prepared and delivered 322 meals from St. Thomas Church, while another 18 people who might otherwise have eaten alone on the holidays were served in the church hall.

That total was a little less than the year before.

“But you never know,” Mrs. Fardig said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we end up with 350 to 360 meals this year.”

For those wanting to eat in the church hall, serving will begin after the last delivery leaves the Hall, which is usually around noon.

Mrs. Fardig had a final reminder:

“There is no such thing as too many turkeys.”

Any leftovers will go to the Good Neighbors soup kitchen in Riverside and the McCauley House in South Providence.

If you need a meal or know of someone who does, call 245-5431 and leave a message. The same number can be used by those who want to volunteer.