An Opp Councilman brought the community together one plate at a time.

LaVaughn Hines represents District Four on the Opp City Council.

“The idea really began when I just realized we really need to get our community united,” Hines said.

“I knew I had to start with my community first to get things started.”

With the help of his church, Pine Grove Missionary Baptist, Hines began organizing. For volunteers, the turnout was massive.

“Everyone really just came together, from my church and the community. That was my goal,” Hines said.

“Lots of people within the community were donating various food items. We had volunteers cooking and my wife Allison helped out too,”

Hines planned the Community Christmas Dinner two weeks in advance, spreading the news through Facebook.

“This is the first year we’ve done something like this,” Hines said.

It was held at the Hardin Street Community Center on Dec. 16.

“We expected a pretty large group and we had close to 200,” Hines said. “Thirty-nine carry-out plates and 100 or so more come in and actually eat.”

They served dressing, collards, potato salad, green beans, fried and baked chicken and cake.

“I want to see Opp come together and I knew I couldn’t do that without first bringing my community together,” Hines said.