CUMMING — For the 15th year in a row, dozens of volunteers filled the family life center at Cumming First United Methodist Church, dishing up free dinner for anyone in the community who dropped by. 

According to church officials, the at the Community Thanksgiving Meal is made possible by donations. All were invited to enjoy roast turkey, dressing, vegetables and dessert. Home delivery was available on request for those unable to attend.

Clete Terrell, who came along with several members of his family, was one of the volunteers.

“There’s a lot more need here than people realize,” said Terrell as he took a break from checking on a room that had filled with guests just 30 minutes into the meal. 

Terrell said his family came to honor his mother, who died about three weeks ago. 

“She had served on Thanksgiving at an Atlanta food bank for years, and we all wanted to help out with one to remember her,” he said.