Some of the city’s less fortunate citizens will have an extra reason to count their blessings this Thanksgiving Day.

A traditional turkey or ham dinner with all the trimmings will be served to them free of charge, courtesy of a hard-working group of caring volunteers from across the community.

Plans are in motion for the return of &uot;Thanksgiving Dinner on the Hill&uot; to the Camellia City. The annual event, now in its 11th year, brings together churches of every denomination, and people from all walks of life.

The annual charity event is actually the brainchild of local teacher Gloria Warren, a member of the Butler Chapel AME Zion Church. Showing compassion for the people of the community seems to be in Warren’s blood. Her father, the late Rev. James E. Cook, served for many years as pastor for the church, and Warren says he was proud the Thanksgiving ministry was born inside his own church.

&uot;He was happy his children were caring enough to do good deeds for others,&uot; Warren comments.

Warren and her fellow Butler Chapel members begin planning for next year’s event &uot;as soon as this year’s dinner is over,&uot; she says.

&uot;We get the names of those in need from DHR, and we also get names of the sick and shut-ins from our churches. We deliver meals to those who can’t come out to eat with us,&uot; she explains.

As for those who would like to pitch in and help serve on next Thursday, Warren says, &uot;They are certainly welcome to come.&uot;

&#8220It’s a great experience for both those being fed and those serving them,” Warren says. &#8220I believe we look forward to the fellowship as much as the food each year – it’s a joy to us.&uot;

For more information on &uot;Dinner on the Hill&uot; and ways to volunteer, contact Gloria Warren at 382-7861.