NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) – A Nacogdoches ministry group is preparing to feed hundreds of people in the area this weekend.

“This is a time for denominations to come together as a family, to be thankful and to help our neighbors,” said Shirley Watts, president of the Nacogdoches Ministerial Alliance.

On Friday afternoon, volunteers were setting up tables in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church gym. The group expects more than 100 guests for its annual community thanksgiving ceremony and dinner. Austin Heights Baptist Church Pastor Kyle Childress said Thanksgiving services and dinner started 20 years ago.

“The people who get the meals are wonderfully excited and grateful to receive the food, so there’s a great interaction with different people in different parts of the city,” Childress said.

With the help of the Nacogdoches Senior Center and the Nacogdoches NAACP, the ministry group is able to compile a list of those in need of food distribution and volunteer assistance.

“We have a full day on Saturday, but it’s an exciting day, so we’re enjoying it. We start at two o’clock to distribute meals to the community,” Watts said.

This year, more than 300 meals will be distributed to residents confined to their homes.

“Free. We want everyone to come. It will be a lot of fun. “You meet a lot of people and you get to have a lot of good Thanksgiving meals,” Childress said.

Community service will begin Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. at Nacogdoches Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2508 Apple Sand Road.

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