For the last decade and a half, needy San Diegans have had something to be thankful for in Ocean Beach. This year’s annual free Thanksgiving meal will be held on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25, at Sacred Heart Church of Ocean Beach. “We just invite everybody in the community to come in,” said Glyn Franks, coordinator of the meal. “I’m happy that we’re able to address that need.” Last year’s Thanksgiving meal provided 8,000 pounds of food — including 54 turkeys — to an estimated 500 diners. Franks said he expects greater attendance this time around. “I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more [guests] as a result of the economy this year. I would expect that there would be an increase,” Franks said. Franks is the founder of local nonprofit Second Chance Ministries and he has coordinated the dinner for the past 12 years. The meal is the combined effort of the different local religious parishes. “We are all very grateful that we are able host this kind of event, and by downplaying any particular church or group’s role, it gives everybody a chance to make it their own,” Franks said. Volunteers are welcome at the meal, to serve up both food and smiles to those in attendance. Franks said volunteers primarily interact and rub elbows with those dining, providing warmth and care to go along with the hot food. “It’s a day of thanksgiving. It really does everyone’s hearts good. It’s good for the soul just to sit down and listen to people that are in need without giving any money and without exchanging anything but your first names. It’s a healing process,” Franks said. The meal at Sacred Heart’s hall, 4776 Saratoga Ave., will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Those interested in volunteering can call Franks at (619) 886-4275 or simply show up at the meal. Franks said those who feel compelled to bring something in addition to volunteering can provide a can of cranberry sauce or vegetables to add to the mix. In addition to hosting the meal, Sacred Heart is also distributing meals to the homebound on Thanksgiving Day. The Ocean Beach church has provided that service for the last two years. Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 1392 also provides meals to less fortunate during Thanksgiving. In addition to a potluck dinner for veterans and homeless at the post on Thanksgiving Day at 3 p.m., the VFW has also hand-selected local families to deliver food to each Thanksgiving since it opened in 1983. “We will be donating food to eight needy families with children that go to schools around here,” said Vic Tulsie, post quartermaster. Tulsie said community members who want to help can provide canned or boxed goods for the post’s food drive, which is held year round. VFW Post 1392 is located at 1392 Newport Ave. Suite G in Ocean Beach. For more information, call (619) 225-0921.