NILES — Heads of Hospitality for Wesley United Methodist Church Amy and John Wade will spend next Wednesday deep in the kitchen as they cook up Thanksgiving turkeys using a recipe passed down for years through their church.

“It’s just a traditional Thanksgiving meal,” Amy said, her hand resting on a thick, green folder full of recipes and instructions.

However, Amy, John and other volunteers will be cooking on a grander scale than most people do for the holiday. They will be preparing between 10 and 14 turkeys to serve those in need in the Niles area.

Wesley United Methodist will be hosting a free Thanksgiving meal starting at noon on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. The meal is to be hosted at the church, 302 Cedar St., Niles, and will feature a meal of turkey, potatoes, gravy, dressing, rolls, vegetables and dessert. Registration is required up until the day before Thanksgiving by calling (269) 683-7250. The church is offering rides to the meal to those who request them at the time of registration. Despite the need for registration, the Wades said walk-ins would be welcomed the day of the event.

“We want people to call in,” Amy said. “We are ready for them.”

While the Wades have been helping to organize the meal for nine years, they said the meal has been going on for many, many more years and is a tradition for the church. The meal, which feeds between 80 and 120 annually, is funded through donations and church funds.

“This is a way for our church to get together, give back and really treat the public nicely,” Amy said. “It’s a chance for food and to let people fellowship together. It’s nice to get people together.”

“This is a mission,” added John.

Over the years, John and Amy said they have fed countless people — and one year, a monkey — many of whom expressed gratitude for the meal provided by Wesley United Methodist Church. The couple said it warms their hearts to share in the holiday of thanks with those who attend the free meal.

“We are so grateful for what we have, and we want to share that with others,” Amy said. “It is always interesting the people you meet doing this.”

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Amy said volunteers with the church would be busy preparing for the big feast. While volunteers work to make the meal, she said she would encourage community members to register for the event.

“I hope people [who attend] feel that they have had a nourishing meal as well as nourishing time with other people,” she said. “It is open to everyone.”