FAIRHOPE, Ala. — On Thursday, while many families will be enjoying their turkey and dressing and then maybe catching a football game on t.v. or taking an afternoon nap, Patrick and Ann Dominick, their family and friends will be delivering 100 or more Thanksgiving meals to those in the community who may not otherwise have one.

Mother and son owners of Church Street Cafe, located at 7 S. Church Street in Fairhope, decided about three or four weeks ago they wanted to so something to help those in need and began contacting various agencies to get the names of those around the county who could benefit from a good hot meal.

“It’s all about giving back to the community for us. There is such a need out there and so many homeless and homebound people who just need someone to care about them, we just had to do something,” Ann Dominick said.

And so far, with eight turkeys donated from Cain’s Grocery in Loxley and donations form food vendors Chef Patrick uses, they have enough for 100 meals, but would love to have enough for 200 meals.

“We have recruited about 24 family members, friends and employees to cook, drive and deliver the meals but we could use many more. We want to get to as many people as need us,” Dominick said.

The restaurant has been opened since August and has seen quite a bit of business with its prime downtown location and offers a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches and dinner entrees on Friday nights, plus catering for special occasions. Patrick has been a chef for 10 years and previously worked at Ed’s Seafood Shack, The Beinville Club and the Fairhope Yacht Club before opening the cafe.

“I’ve always loved to cook and opening my own restaurant has always been a dream of mine. I am so glad I can volunteer my time, talent and services to such a worthwhile cause. We will be cooking turkey and dressing, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls and banana pudding. We will spend all week getting ready for it,” Patrick said.

A paralegal during the day with Wilkins and Tipton in Mobile, Ann, a Daphne resident, along with her husband, help out in the restaurant as much as possible and are so excited about this opportunity.

“We have about 40 names from mostly Robertsdale. Loxley, Silverhill and Fairhope and would love to have many more,” Ann said.

Restaurant hours are Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and 5:30-9 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dominick said they will deliver lunch orders as well if needed.

If you would like to volunteer to deliver meals or have any names of those who need a meal, contact Dominick at (251) 990-3402 or (251) 680-0796 or email at ann@dominick.ws