He calls himself “The Big Turkey.”
It’s a nickname Jeff Liotard proudly gave himself for playing the key organizing role in what has now become  a Manteca tradition — a free community Thanksgiving dinner at Mt. Mike’s Pizza at North Main Street and Louise Avenue.
The sixth edition takes place on Thanksgiving, Nov. 26, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is open to anyone who doesn’t want to dine alone and wants to share their blessings with others.
“Manteca Sunrise Kiwanis and Manteca Rotary are proud to be hosting the 6th Annual “Thanksgiving in Manteca” for those in our community that otherwise would not have a traditional Thanksgiving meal or someone to share this day with,” Liotard said.
 Volunteers are preparing 200 turkeys to serve an estimated 2,000 meals on Thanksgiving.
There several ways to obtain a meal: dine-ins, to go, delivery and preordering meals for individuals or small to large groups. Meals are limited, and based on a first come, first serve basis. It is highly recommended to preorder by calling Liotard at (209) 825.4331 email at wecookturkeys@comcast.net. You need to leave your name, address and phone number and number of meals. Deliveries or pick-ups are between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
“For an event of this magnitude, we are asking for sponsors and/or donations for this event from the entire community,” Liotard said.
 Those that have donated so far are Manteca Rotary, $1,000; Sunrise Kiwanis, $2,000; Manteca Police Officers Association, $2,000; and Second Harvest Food Bank that is providing the turkeys.
Any individuals or groups interested in donating or volunteering can contact Liotard at wecookturkeys@comcast.net or (209) 825.4331.