Your Father’s Kitchen at Sugartree Ministries in Wilmington is getting a makeover, compliments of Rachael Ray and members of her team.

“We’re not sure what they’re doing at all,” said director Allen Willoughby “They’ve just been wonderful to us. It’s been overwhelming for us. We are honored and blessed that they have done this (the renovation) for us.

I know their goal is to help us feed more people.”

Willoughby said that the work should be complete by Friday. In the meantime Sugartree Ministries is serving meals at the First Baptist Church on W. Locust Street in downtown Wilmington.

“On Wednesday, at noon, we’ll be giving out groceries, at the First Baptist Church,” he said.

In addition to the renovation the “Rachael Ray” television program, winner of the 2008 and 2009 Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show, plans to give the community a special Thanksgiving celebration.

Like many towns across America, Wilmington is suffering a severe economic downturn. The DHL shipping center which was the town’s largest employer, shut down operations in January leaving thousands unemployed. With few options available, hungry residents are turning to Sugartree Ministries and other local food pantries for help.

The majority of people coming into Sugartree Ministries are former DHL employees, and Your Father’s Kitchen is overwhelmed with trying to feed 200 to 300 people per day instead of their normal few hundred a week.

The Rachael Ray Show will be surprising the workers and volunteers at Sugartree Ministries with the results of a complete kitchen and pantry renovation along with a promise to stock the shelves for the year ahead.

In addition to the makeover at Your Father’s Kitchen, “Rachael Ray’s” production crew has been interested in the story behind Next to New, a clothing consignment shop, according to owner Sandy Wogomon.

“I know the TV crew wants to spend the day with us,” Wogomon said.

The “Rachael Ray” show will also help the community come together for a Thanksgiving meal at Roberts Convention Centre.

The dinner is scheduled for Nov. 8. The show is looking forward to sharing the blessings of the season and reminding the town of Wilmington that everyone has a reason to be thankful.

To attend the dinner, area residents must register for the opportunity. Everyone who registers must be at least 18 years of age, and must show a government-issued photo ID proving residence in the 45177 zip code.

To register, visit RachaelRayShow.com/ohio, or call 800-972-2579. Registrants may bring up to five other guests with them to the dinner. You must register by midnight Nov. 1, 2009. Additional restrictions apply.

The special one-hour episode of “Rachael Ray” will tape in Wilmington on Nov. 7 and 8 and is scheduled to air on Nov. 25.

Check local listings at www.rachaelrayshow.com.