WINCHESTER, Ky. (WTVQ)- Volunteering is a turkey day tradition for many families, but if it’s something you’re trying to make a new tradition, it can be hard to know where to start.

For about 50 years, First United Methodist Church in Winchester has prepared and delivered thanksgiving meals, transforming, in a way, the volunteers giving them and the people receiving them.

“It’s quite an ordeal. It’s organized chaos,” Mike Jackson said.

Jackson organizes the cooking team that comes in not only the day before, but also 5 a.m. on thanksgiving to prepare a meal for 1,500 neighbors in need.

“Yes, it’s a one day event and yet it touches a whole lot of lives,” Senior Pastor Farley Stuart said.

There is still room for volunteers.

Anyone who wants to join can do so at 10 a.m.  turkey day morning.

There are also Thanksgiving and every day opportunities to volunteer at: God’s Pantry Food Bank, the Catholic Action Center, the Lexington Humane Society, the Hope Center, and the Lexington Rescue Mission.

You could also try a local church or animal shelter. The USO also puts together holiday packages for those in the military.