NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Forty turkeys fried at about 400 degrees will be enough for hundreds of needy children, women and men in middle Tennessee.

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Three years ago, country music star Tracy Lawrence decided he wanted to cook for more than just his family at Thanksgiving. He wanted to feed those in need at the Nashville Rescue Mission.

"It brings a great deal of awareness, and it’s a fun event. I get to visit with some of the guys that have been through the program here, and I've made friends with folks downtown," Lawrence said.

This year, he had plenty of backup in his cause. Country stars Lori Morgan, LoCash Cowboys, Derrell Worley and rocker Brad Arnold from the band Three Doors Down helped fry turkeys and raise funds for the downtown mission.

"It's not an obligation to give back; it's an honor and a pleasure to give back," said Arnold.

The Nashville Rescue Mission said it's thankful for the help. Workers said they've has never seen such a significant increase in their clientele in one year.

More than half of the new clients they're helping this year attended the event because they lost their jobs. The mission said most of the increase in attendance is among women and children who are in need.

This is the fourth year the Mission Possible Turkey fry has helped out. The group has raised $100,000 for the mission, and it doesn't plan to stop.

"It's nice to be a part of something that's a big part of our city," said Lawrence.

The public can donate to the Nashville Rescue Mission this year by going to the center and donating directly or dropping off a turkey or cash donation throughout the day Tuesday before the turkey fry ends sometime in the evening.