Some may see the outpouring of people from all walks of life willing to break bread together as the perfect start to the holiday season. But the Rev. Jim Lewis said it also is a grim sign of the times.
"Well, the problem has exploded," said Lewis, who heads the Old Savannah City Mission, which has held the event for the past 13 years. "We are seeing people who never dreamed of seeking aid from a rescue mission."
Well over 8,000 hungry mouths were served turkey, gravy and all the trimmings one would expect at a Thanksgiving dinner.
Event organizers made good use of the city's new outdoor stage, as diners relaxed under a large tent, enjoyed the food and good company.
Norma Jackson said attending the event became a tradition for her a few years ago when she fell on hard times. Jackson said things have since improved, but the day was still a chance to catch up with those she used to see regularly.
"I just want to pray for them and hope they get up and on out, too," Jackson said, who added she was particularly impressed with the moist, flavorful pieces of turkey.
That nod was passed to Brinson Clements, who was charged with cooking 560 turkeys. Clements offered praise to God when asked to reveal his secret recipe.
"No, really it's a blessing," Clements said. "The first year we did this it was like, 120 turkeys and I was like, 'man, how are we going to cook all that?'"
Event organizer Wanda Culp said an inaugural Great Day of Thanksgiving also would be held in Statesboro. There, she and about 300 volunteers expect to feed up to 4,000 people.
"We've gotten the word out and we're hoping and praying we can serve them and minister them in such an awesome way," she said.
For his 13th straight year, Chatham County Commission Chairman Pete Liakakis quietly toiled on his own, effortlessly breaking down folding tables and organizing used foil food pans. Liakakis said he saw his efforts as way to be part of the solution to poverty.
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