(11/19/12) - Members of a small congregation fed hundreds of people Monday night during the annual Thanksgiving dinner.
The feast was at First United Church of Christ in Bay City and it was free of charge.
There are only 50 members. Members of the small congregation made it their mission to feed more than 580 people.
They made it happen with donations and the help of several volunteers.
Hot meals were made from scratch Monday. Families waited in line to get everything from turkey to mashed potatoes, and even homemade gravy.
"I find it to be very grateful that they're able to provide a free meal to people that aren't so much fortunate to have a meal for Thanksgiving, so I feel very fortunate to be able to bring my family here," said Janelle Peltier.
The meal means a lot to the Peltier Family. It makes it easier for Janelle and her husband to feed their five children. They struggle to put food on the table sometimes.
"It's hard because it's only a one income house. I stay at home with the kids, so it's just my husband working," Peltier said.
Even volunteers who aren't members of the congregation wanted to serve.
"Very fulfilling. You see people need help and they get a good meal. I seen the ad in the paper and they were asking for volunteers and so here I am and I love it. You see the people that are hungry and I'm so fortunate. Makes you stop and think. Very blessed," said Paula Hamlin.
A lot of the people have been coming for several years. It gives them a chance to catch up with friends they haven't seen in a long time.
"So many of these people we only get to see once a year. Besides the food and the fellowship. We look forward to this. I think it's wonderful that the folks at this church put this on. It's amazing," said Virgil Donagh.
This is the ninth year for the Thanksgiving dinner.
