Churches, senior centers, the American Legion and the Salvation Army are among those offering free or low-cost Thanksgiving meals on Thursday.

Thousands of people throughout North County are expected to take advantage of the offers available from Encinitas to Oceanside to Escondido.

About 250 people are expected to attend the Salvation Army's community Thanksgiving dinner that starts at 11 a.m. at 3935 Lake Blvd., Oceanside. Food will be served until about 1 p.m.

"Anyone who wants to come is welcome," said Salvation Army Capt. Dwayne Patterson.

Dinner begins a little earlier at the San Marcos Senior Center, where Ranchland and Oaks Christian churches are teaming up with the center to provide a meal starting at 10 a.m.

The 11th annual event draws as many as 600 people and relies on a long list of volunteers to provide the turkey and all the trimmings.

The YMCA and other local military outreach groups have lined up soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines with families who open their doors to service members who are unable to make it home for the holidays.

Military members also eat free at the American Legion post in Escondido, where a member said the holiday meal is a long-standing tradition.

"We usually see about 150 people or more," said the legion's Sue Ward. "It's a fun day."

The following places are offering meals:

-- Outcast Ministries from Church of God in Christ in Oceanside is hosting a dinner from 1 to 5 p.m. at 1305 Union Plaza Court.

-- The Salvation Army's Thanksgiving dinner in Oceanside takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3935 Lake Blvd.

-- St. Mark Lutheran Church in Encinitas is hosting 30 Marines and Navy corpsmen beginning at 9 a.m. at 552 South El Camino Real. There will be a continental breakfast in the morning, a turkey dinner with all the trimmings in the afternoon, games, football on television and Christian fellowship.

-- Ranchland Church, Oaks Christian Church and the San Marcos Senior Center are having their Thanksgiving Day meal for San Marcos seniors from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the San Marcos Senior Center, 111 Richmar Ave.

-- The American Legion in Escondido is serving dinner from 1 to 4 p.m. for military and their families and the community at The Veterans Memorial Building, 230 E. Park Ave. The meal is free for military and their families and $5 for the public.

-- St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Vista offers its meal at the church at 525 W. Vista Way. It is the 19th year the church has offered the community dinner open to all. For more information, call (760) 945-8000.