21 Nov 2011 All are welcome at Thanksgiving dinner

Organizers of a special Thanksgiving dinner in Faulkner County are extending an invitation to the entire community – all are welcome.

Families and individuals, young and old, as well as those affected by the economy and those with no one to spend the holiday are encouraged to attend.

Centennial Bank – with assistance from 501 LIFE magazine and First United Methodist Church in Conway – is organizing this year’s community dinner from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday at the church, located at 1610 Prince St.

“We have much to be thankful for at Centennial Bank and feel that it is very appropriate that we give back to the community that has given so much to us by organizing this meal of thanksgiving,” said organizer Lori Case, senior vice president for marketing. “This event is a testament to our community’s commitment to provide for those in need and those who are not able to share this special holiday with friends and loved ones.”

In addition to Thursday’s event, Centennial partnered with The City of Hope Outreach to offer a Thanksgiving banquet last weekend at two satellite locations in Conway – at Brookside Trailer Park and the Oakwood Mobile Home Village on East Robins Street.

About 700 people were fed at last year’s Thanksgiving dinner at First Methodist, with 300 of those meals delivered. Organizers are making plans to serve 1,000 this year at the three meals.

“Everyone is welcome at this dinner, including those alone during the holiday and those in need,” she said. “We extend an invitation to the entire community to join us for a good meal and time of fellowship.”