All invited to Community Thanksgiving at Civic Center
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

Tomorrow's Community-Wide Thanksgiving Day Dinner is a chance for thousands to celebrate 10 years of sharing, community and fellowship.

The free event, held at the El Campo Civic Center on Thanksgiving Day, drew 250 people during its first year, and by last year, the number of attendees had grown to about 2,000.

"We've always had plenty of workers and financial support, and I know we'll have plenty again," said Danny Roberts, pastor of New Life Assembly of God, who has coordinated the holiday meal event since it began 10 years ago in its current form. "The people in El Campo are definitely workers and givers."

The interfaith and intercultural event is not just for those who are alone or in straitened circumstances, but attracts those who simply want to share their holiday lunch with others.

There will be musical entertainment during the dinner, and transportation for those who need it can be provided. As well, volunteers will take meals to those unable to leave their homes, at no cost.

All attendees at the annual dinner receive a ticket at the door, making them eligible to win one of many door prizes donated by area retail businesses.

"Last year, we had so many door prizes, we were giving them away the whole time, without time for anything else," Roberts said. "This year, we'll have fewer door prizes, but they'll be bigger."

During this year's celebration, dinner organizers are adding a new service to the community: scholarships.

The three or so scholarships for $200 to $300 each are open to adults who volunteer to work during the dinner, or their children who are graduating seniors, and winners will be selected and named during the event.

Dinner will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 22 at the El Campo Civic Center, just off the intersection of North Mechanic (Hwy. 71) and West Loop.

To provide any sort of assistance, contact Roberts at 543-3732 (home) or 543-3959 (office), or simply show up at the event.

"Just come planning to work and we'll take all volunteers," Roberts said.