Members of the community gathered Tuesday at the Clanton Recreation Center off Lay Dam Road to give thanks over a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Grace Fellowship Church and Through the Grace of God Ministries sponsored an early Thanksgiving feast, and invited the public to stop by and have a free meal.

“It has been so neat to see the response from the community and the diversity,” Meredith Vincent said.

Vincent, who attends Grace Fellowship Church, came early Tuesday morning to serve food with her family.

“I wanted my children to step outside of themselves and see what it is like to serve others,” Vincent said. “They were out of school this week for Thanksgiving so it worked out that we could all come.”

Vincent and her family stood side by side in front of the food serving scoops of turkey, dressing and various side dishes.

Vincent said the most popular dish in the lineup of food was the cornbread dressing.

“Everyone seems to really like that,” Vincent said.

Grace Fellowship Pastor Jake McCall said this is the third annual year for the event, which averages 150 meals each year.

“We have about 25-30 volunteers who come and serve,” McCall said. “The meal allows people in the community to come together and interact with others that they may not have the opportunity to see on a regular basis.”

McCall and Bro. Ralph Bingham of Through the Grace of God Ministries both worked to spread the word and invite anyone interested to come have lunch.

McCall said some volunteers arrived at 7:15 a.m. Tuesday to begin preparations for the meal, which was served from 10:30-2 p.m.

“We had people waiting in line at 10:30 this morning so we have had a great response so far,” McCall said.

Jenni Moore came to serve food and said the thing she enjoys the most about the event is the fellowship.

“It is nice to just come and meet other people,” Moore said.

Other events happening in the community for Thanksgiving include the Clanton First United Methodist Church Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 27.

The event will be in the Helen E. Parrish Activity Center on the church campus.

There is no charge for the meal, and everyone is welcome. The menu will include turkey, ham, dressing, additional side dishes, desserts and tea.

For additional information, call the church office at 755-0490.

Verbena Baptist Church will also offer free Thanksgiving Day meals at the church that can be picked up between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

The church is located at 197 County Road 500 in Verbena.

Meals will include turkey, dressing, vegetables, rolls and dessert.

Call 755-1725 to reserve a free plate.