‘It’s a blessing’: Hundreds gather for Feast before the Feast event

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Hundreds of people got a hot meal at the annual Feast before the Feast Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday night.

As of 8 p.m., the Henry Brigham Community Center served around 800 people.

Henry Brigham was just one of many places serving meals on Thursday night.

Organizers say they were expecting more people to show up because of Hurricane Helene.

Parts of canal, trail remain closed for safety, storm cleanup

The Augusta Canal between the water pump station and Savannah Rapids remains closed due to damage from Hurricane Helene.

They prepared 1,500 pounds of chicken, 600 pounds of green beans, 75 pans of macaroni and cheese and more.

Neighbors say they are thankful for the meal.

“Very grateful. I’m so proud of y’all coming out to share this Thanksgiving with us, and to have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Throughout this season, a lot of people are not able to have it. And we just thank God for the people volunteering and coming out to give us a good hot meal,” said Kalvin Holliman, who attended the event.

“It’s a blessing. It means that people took their time to care for others. Out of their Thanksgiving time to help others have a good Thanksgiving meal,” said Holliman.

Last year, they served more than 5,000 people. We’ve reached out to learn the number of this year’s turnout.