TEXARKANA - Turkey, dressing and other holiday dishes were served along with smiles and kind words Thursday at the Randy Sams' Outreach Shelter's annual Thanksgiving meal.
Volunteers began working about 8:30 a.m Thursday to get everything ready, said Director Jennifer Lacefield.
"We have had lots of volunteers. They all seem so happy to help," she said.
The first meal was served shortly after 10 a.m., said volunteer coordinator Glenda Thrash.
"There were people outside waiting so we decided to open the doors," Thrash said. "We have received so much food. So many church groups and businesses have dropped off turkey and dressing and all types of food. We are telling people to eat all they can and take a plate with them for later," Thrash said.
"We started early and its been slow and steady throughout the day. Everybody has been so loving and so kind," Thrash said.
Thrash credited kitchen manager Lori Petit with keeping things running smoothly.
"She stays really calm," Thrash said.
People who are staying at the shelter were served meals, along with anyone else in the community who needed a hot Thanksgiving dinner.
Lacefield estimated about 300 meals had been served by noon. The shelter was also able to send food home with people who wanted to eat elsewhere.
Organizers planned to serve food until about 3 p.m. Thursday.
Marta Langston of El Dorado, Arkansas, was in Texarkana on Thursday to drop her son off at his father's house. She and her fiance were looking for a place to volunteer when they learned about the Randy Sam's dinner.
"This is what it's about. People serving; feet on the ground. It's what Jesus wants us to do," Langston said. "It sounds like a cliche but it's nice to get your hands dirty," she said.
This year was Lamisha Campbell's first year to volunteer at the Thanksgiving meal.
"This is the first time I've been hands-on and I'm real excited about it," she said.