Hundreds in West Tuscaloosa Got a Free Thanksgiving Meal Tuesday

Just before Thanksgiving, members of the West Tuscaloosa community were able to be served up a delicious Thanksgiving meal for free at the McDonald Hughes Center.

Tuesday, November 14th, the 2nd Annual CommUNITY Thanksgiving Dinner kicked off in West Tuscaloosa and the smiles and joy from community members immediately filled the room.

"The place is packed out, the food is good, everybody is smiling and celebrating thanksgiving. This city is awesome," said former City Council President Harrison "Mailman" Taylor.

Community members didn't have to lift a finger at the 2nd Annual CommUNITY Thanksgiving dinner. They were served food including dessert and drinks by volunteers including members of Tuscaloosa's NPHC organizations.

"We're honored to be here," said Melissa Campbell, singer for the Locked Band who provided live entertainment at the event.

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"It means the world to us. Half of us are from Tuscaloosa, so it's great to give back. It's a beautiful time to be alive."

Alabama Secretary of Labor and representatives from State and Federal delegation were all present. For the second year in a row, community members gathered for a meal.

"It was great seeing all people from all walks of life come out, sit down and enjoy a meal together it's amazing. The true definition of what community is supposed to be, said Joseph Eatmon, Dean of Community Relations at Shelton State College.

"All the sponsors did a great job. We came together and made it bigger and better than last year."

Event sponsors included Spades Restaurant, Alabama One Aspire Foundation, PARA, Dee Banks, and Reenter Reclaim.

"This right here was super amazing. Joe is a really good guy, said sponsor Ladarren Banks. "This exceeded my expectations by 10. It just shows who he is a a person."

You can see more pictures from the 2nd Annual CommUNITY Thanksgiving Dinner below.