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As it has for 14 years, First Baptist Church Elizabethton, located at 212 East F St., will host its annual Feast of Sharing, a free Thanksgiving dinner open to everyone in the community. This year’s event will take place on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

The menu will feature baked ham, cooked apples, sweet potatoes, and green beans, along with bread and homemade desserts.

“We look forward to hosting families and neighbors in the Fellowship Hall of First Baptist Elizabethton at this year’s Feast of Sharing,” said project chair Lisa Bunn. “But if you and your family would like a meal but are unable to come to the church, free carry-out meals are also available by 10 a.m. Deliveries are also available at no cost.”

Bunn encourages everyone to make reservations for dine-in, carry-out, or delivery by calling the church at 423-543-1931. “If you call and get the FBC answering machine, you can leave your name, phone number, the number of meals you’d like, and, if requesting delivery, your address,” she added.

“Feast of Sharing at FBC Elizabethton also welcomes groups, so if someone would like to bring a group or a family, you are more than welcome to do that,” Bunn noted. “We’d also like to extend a special invitation to any work crews who are in the area helping with the aftermath of Helene. And we also welcome volunteers. Last year we had more than 40 from both FBC and the community at large, so if you’d like to help please feel free to join us.”

This year, the need is expected to be even greater due to the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. The church predicts it will serve at least 1,500 meals.

In addition to the meal, First Baptist Church will provide free coats for men, women, and children, along with toiletries, personal supplies, blankets, and sleeping bags.

“We have offered coats, toiletries, and other items before, but this year we expect the demand to be higher,” Bunn said. “We will be trying our best to meet those practical needs of people—needs that we haven’t faced before.”

For more information or to make reservations, call First Baptist Church Elizabethton at 423-543-1931.