CLARKESVILLE, Ga. — The kitchen at First Presbyterian Church of Clarkesville filled before sunrise Thursday as dozens of volunteers carved turkey, carried trays, swept floors, and prepared a community Thanksgiving feast for hundreds. The event, now in its seventh year, has never seen a turnout like this, not from guests, and not from volunteers.
“When I walked into the hall this morning, there was probably at least 25 to 30 people and that was just a little after 8 o’clock,” said Volunteer Coordinator Darren Johnston. He said typically they have eight or 12 volunteers. “Eric (Holbrooks) said, ‘I don’t know what to do with myself, I have so many hands today.'”
Dozens showed up at sunrise — families, students, retirees, and first-time helpers — all working side by side to prepare a free Thanksgiving feast for hundreds across Habersham County.
‘Better to give than to get’
North Georgia Technical College student Stephen Sumner was among this year’s volunteers, arriving bright and early at 7 a.m. Sumner volunteered after spotting a flyer about the Clarkesville Community Thanksgiving while paying his water bill.
“Serving the community is one of the best ways to give thanks,” Sumner said. At first, the mountain of turkeys felt overwhelming, but he said watching everyone tackle the work together was “pretty awesome.” The conversations, he said, were a highlight — funny, serious, and full of encouragement. “People figuring out the best way to take care of one another,” he said. “I’ll absolutely be back next year.”
Zach Ford brought his sons after reading about the event on Now Habersham. He wanted to teach his children the joy of giving.
“We’ve been blessed with a lot,” Ford said. “We wanted our boys to see what it’s all about — how it’s better to give than to get.” Ten-year-old Lennox said he learned to shred turkey, sweep floors, and, more importantly, “to serve others.”
A growing community tradition
This annual event has steadily grown through the years. It started at Stoney’s restaurant and moved to the Presbyterian Church several years ago. Last year, they served just over 300 meals. This year, the team was prepared to serve 600, and organizer Eric Holbrooks says they could “feed a thousand” if needed.
“Habersham has been good to me,” he said, explaining why he and his family are involved. “We want to serve our community.”
Sherry Smith is among those who also gives back. While Holbrooks and Johnston manned dozens of turkeys on multiple smokers on Wednesday, Smith spent the day in the kitchen preparing batches of dressing.
“She did 75 pounds dressing yesterday,” Johnston said.
This year, Clarkesville’s Community Thanksgiving meal teamed up with local soup kitchens to serve even more families.
“Ms. Leanne at Cornelia Soup Kitchen was talking to me last year about maybe doing a joint venture,” Holbrooks said. “She has so many that come to her. So we gave it a go this year and it just worked out well.”
Cornelia Soup Kitchen provided rolls and desserts. The Clarkesville Soup Kitchen supplied corn, green beans, and potatoes. Holbrooks and Johnston’s team handled the turkey and labor.
With the Clarkesville Soup Kitchen closed for Thanksgiving Day, they directed their guests to the church, putting up signs for weeks to let people know where to find a meal. Cornelia remained open and planned to serve around 200 meals.
The Clarkesville Community Thanksgiving meal is free and open to everyone. No one is asked to explain where they’ve been or what they’re facing. People come hungry, lonely, joyful, curious — and leave feeling seen.
Said Ford, “It’s just it’s encouraging to see other people in the community being the hands and feet of Jesus.”
