The Winston County Journal

The Seventh Annual Community Thanksgiving headed up by Aline Haynes brought a community together to feed those in need on Thanksgiving Day.

"We are going to feed everyone we know of that is in need," said Haynes as she addressed the volunteers at the opening of the day.

Haynes, who began and has grown the event, along with a bevy of volunteers feed 995 people in need on Thanksgiving.

"This is a phenomenonal undertaking," said Roland Byrd, one of the many volunteers, denoting Haynes hard work.

While Haynes orchestrated the event, she gave thanks to the volunteers and God for making it possible.

"I am so appreciative to each of you," said Haynes with tears welling in her eyes and speaking very emotionally of all those who helped. "It shows how much each of you care especially the children to get out of bed and volunteer to help," said Haynes.

Many were thankful for the efforts of the day which could be seen in the faces of those enjoying the meals and the volunteers who served them.

In Aline Haynes own words:

Thanksgiving Luncheon 2008 was great!

I arrived at South Louisville Family Life Center around 8:01 a.m. I was greeted by the 8 a.m. shift which included a the Anchor Club, Acteens of First Baptist Church and BETA Club of Grace Christian School. Volunteers had already begun assembling boxes. The morning was off to a great start.

My opening statements began at 10:20. Words of thanks and appreciation were given to the volunteers. Afterwards, I requested a special prayer for K-5 through college students who were on site to work. The prayer was offered by Rev. Roosevelt Gage. An additional prayer for the entire staff was offered by Brother Lemmon.

At 10:40, the excitement of the assembly line had begun and by the end of the day we had provided lunch for 995 people throughout the county.

God has blessed the luncheon. This year marks seven years and we are so grateful to God.

I would like to thank all the businesses, churches, and individuals who donate to fund the luncheon. Without your help, it could not have been possible. I appreciate your support very much. Thanks to all the volunteers for your hard work. I am especially grateful to all the students who came out to work. Students were from Louisville, Grace Christian, Winston Academy, Nanih Waiya, and Noxapater schools. May God bless you for the effort you put forth on your holiday to take time out to see that others will be blessed.

I am thankful for all the dedicated people whether cooking, serving, driving, setting up, cleaning up, making name tags, decorating or donating.

I am thankful to all the persons and business who provided so much. I will not list for fear of leaving one out.

My prayer is that God will bless each of you for the services rendered to help make this event such a wonderful success. I love you and look forward to next year.