Volunteers will follow a 20-year Thanksgiving tradition this year by feeding more than 3,000 people, including those in need as well as public safety employees working on the holiday.

Volunteers will provide a Thanksgiving meal for those who otherwise may not be able to enjoy the tradition of turkey and dressing, event coordinator Robin Aspinwall said.

“For over 20 years, State Farm agent Jimmy Anthony and Gracewood Baptist Church has been feeding the less fortunate and public service personnel in our community on Thanksgiving Day,” she said.

In order to accomplish this, volunteers are needed.

“Mr. Anthony has led this project in the past, until his health made it difficult. Once again I am asking for your kind participation in this much-needed endeavor as we continue the tradition,” Aspinwall said.

Last year, volunteers prepared and delivered more than 2,300 meals. This number is expected to increase to 3,000 this year.

Preparation starts at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27, at Statesboro High School, and runs through 8 p.m On Thanksgiving Day, meals will be served beginning at 8 a.m. until they run out.

“The turkeys are cooked, and the desserts are sliced and packaged. On Thanksgiving Day, volunteers help to prepare the plates and deliver the food,” Aspinwall said.

Donations of food as well as time to prepare and deliver meals are needed.

“Any donation would be helpful in our mission to ensure that everyone in our community enjoys a Thanksgiving meal,” she said.

The meal will consist of turkey with dressing, turnip greens, candied yams, snap beans, roll, dessert and bottled water.
The effort serves many in the community, including some affiliated with Bulloch County Family and Children Services, Boys and Girls Club of Bulloch County, Bulloch County Home Care, Statesboro Summit Apartments, Women’s Place (both locations), Safe Haven, Concerted Services, Pineland Mental Health and the Bulloch County school system.

“We also remember the personnel who service our community on Thanksgiving,” Aspinwall said.

These include staff on call at the Statesboro Fire Department, police departments, Bulloch County 911, Bulloch County EMS, Bulloch County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia State Patrol.

“We also service anyone who requests a meal,” Aspinwall said. “Absolutely no one is refused.”
Southbridge Community Church staff has also volunteered to help.

Anyone interested in donating or volunteering is asked to contact Aspinwall at (912) 596-9542.

Holli Deal Bragg may be reached at (912) 489-9414.