For students wanting to avoid their drunken extended families’ slurs this holiday, the Salvation Army is in need of some givers this Thanksgiving.

The Salvation Army will hold its annual Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday from noon to 3 p.m. at 423 Chapala Street. Case Worker Mary Gires said anyone interested in volunteering can simply show up at noon or earlier if they want to help set up.

The Salvation Army will be serving a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings free of charge to anyone without a place to spend the holiday, Gires said. Last year’s dinner drew approximately 200-250 locals. Gires said the majority of their guests are low-income senior citizens and a few families.

The Rescue Mission of Santa Barbara and the homeless shelter downtown are also hosting Thanksgiving dinners today and Thursday; however, representatives from their organizations said they were not in need of any more volunteers or donations.

–Jennifer B. Siverts