Tolleson will serve Thanksgiving dinner

More than 1,000 people will eat Thanksgiving dinner for free next week in Tolleson.

Volunteers will serve turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pie and all the other traditional Thanksgiving fixings at the Tolleson Service Committee's 26th annual dinner.

Last year, the group served 1,810 meals to about 1,200 people, a significant increase over the approximately 200 people served at the first dinner in 1982.

Organizers aren't sure how many people will show up this year, but they're prepared for anything, said Charles Landis, the former superintendent of the Tolleson Union High School District who has organized the dinner every year.

"You never know where they're going to come from," Landis said. "They just show up."

A mariachi band will play, and children will be able to play in bounce houses.

All the food has been donated by local businesses.

The dinner will be held Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tolleson Union High School, 9419 W. Van Buren Street.

All are welcome. No RSVP is required.