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WARREN - One hundred fifty 20-pound turkeys went a long way as more than 1,000 Thanksgiving meals were served to the community by the Warren Family Mission.

Hundreds of volunteers helped at the Warren Family Mission's main complex on Elm Road and at the men's center on West Market Street providing the holiday feast of turkey with all the trimmings.

Donations from many organizations, businesses, groups and individuals made the meals possible.

Head chef Louis Menendez said the turkey dinners were served to those who came to the two mission locations and delivered to shut-ins and senior citizens in the homes and at local senior complexes.

Pastor Judy Campbell, volunteer coordinator at the mission, said both locations were well attended.

''We had more than 100 people waiting in line way before we even started serving,'' Campbell said of the main mission location.

Despite the long lines, Pastor Chris Gilger, executive director, said fewer people actually were served dinners this year due to local corporations donating turkeys to the mission, with 300 of them being distributed earlier to area families to have at their own homes for the holiday.

John Euler of Warren was eating his meal with his daughter, Roslyn, 5.

''It was nice to spend Thanksgiving together,'' Euler said.

Roslyn was enjoying the large plate of turkey on her plate, which she said was her favorite food item.

Linda Clinton brought her granddaughter, Cassandra Sacco, 4, to the mission for the meal.

''It was important that we all be together for Thanksgiving,'' Clinton said of her entire family who gathered for the meal.

She said she enjoyed the sweet potatoes, while Cassandra liked the turkey.

''We have a ton of people helping,'' Campbell said of all the volunteers who served meals, cleaned the room and helped seat people.

Many high school groups, churches and the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) helped.

Cadet Lt. Nathan Jackson said 20 ROTC members and the Trumbull Career and Technical Center's National Technical Honor Society did community service in the Warren area by helping to serve meals.

''We have helped here on previous Thanksgivings as a way to give back to the Warren community,'' Jackson said.

Campbell said the need for help from the mission has increased this year. She noticed that last summer, when more people were in need of clothing and food.

Pastor Drew McPeek of Braceville United Methodist Church said he was overwhelmed by the many volunteers, including those who help every year and individuals assisting for the first time.

''There is an over abundance of volunteers here working where they can to help serve a Thanksgiving meal,'' McPeek said.

B.A. Macker of North Mar Church said he heard the mission needed help serving meals, so he offered his assistance. He had the honor of serving each person dark and white turkey.

Mackenzie Leskovec, 17, of Niles, and Whitney Koper, 16, of Cortland, both Warren Juniorettes working with the Warren Junior Women's League, were among the many volunteers serving the meals. Their duty was handing out the desserts.

''It's nice to see people smiling and have a good time for the holiday,'' Koper said.

''It's good to know that you are making a difference to make someone's holiday special,'' Leskovec said.

Keeley Chaffee of the Lordstown High School National Honor Society said five members are gaining their community service hours helping where needed at the dinner. ''We have been clearing the tables and helping people find a place to sit,'' she said.

Campbell said many people told her how thankful they were for the meal

bcoupland@tribtoday.com