A traditional Thanksgiving meal was served Tuesday morning to members of the community.

The fourth annual event was sponsored by Grace Fellowship Church and Through the Grace of God Ministries.

The feast featured Thanksgiving foods such as turkey, cornbread dressing, vegetables, and dessert, and is offered each year free of charge at the Clanton Recreation Center from 10:30 a.m. until 2 p.m.

“We had people lined up at 10:30 this morning,” volunteer Jacque Burkhalter said. “So far, we have had about 125 people come in and eat. It has been a good turnout for us this year.”

In addition to those who came to eat a meal and fellowship with friends and neighbors, Burkhalter said there were about 30 volunteers who spent the day cooking and serving food.

“Those that prepare the food got here about 7:30 a.m. and then we had more people show up at 8:30 a.m. and then by 10:30 a.m. we were serving food.”

Elijah Palmer spent his morning serving cake to those coming through the line and said he enjoyed getting to interact with everyone.

“Being able to serve gives me a sense of loving more people through Christ,” Palmer said.

Siblings Dison and Maci Barbaree also volunteered to serve corn and green beans to those coming through the line.

“I have enjoyed it so far,” Dison Barbaree said. “It has been fun.”

The purpose of the event each year is to allow those in the community to come together and interact with others during the week of Thanksgiving.

Other events happening in the community for Thanksgiving include the Clanton First United Methodist Church Thanksgiving dinner on Nov. 26 from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. in the Helen E. Parrish Activity Center at 207 Ninth St. N.

The menu will include turkey, dressing, ham, sweet potato casserole and other sides as well as desserts.

There is no charge for the meal.

Take-outs will be available for shut-ins. This tradition has been celebrated for a number of years and is enjoyed by those who must work on Thanksgiving Day, those who are far from family, or families who wish to enjoy the holiday without the cooking.

For additional information, contact (205) 755-0490 or by email at secretary@clantonfumc.org.

The Chilton County Assistance Center will host the seventh annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Nov. 26 at 500 Enterprise Road in Clanton.

There is no cost to attend the event.