ELBERTA, Ala. — The town of Elberta will hold its communitywide Thanksgiving Dinner this week.

The free event will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday at the Elberta Civic Center, located behind Town Hall.

According to organizer Cindy Bloch, churches from throughout Elberta will provide various aspects of the meal, which will consist of turkey, ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, dressing, dinner rolls, green beans, tea and dessert.

“Last year, we had 12 turkeys and four hams,” Bloch said. “This year, we’re going to have more.”

In addition, Elberta Elementary School will provide decorations and art for the event.

“And Elberta Middle School did aprons,” Bloch said.

Plus. St. Benedict School will contribute cookies.

All this, while volunteers will make the event possible.

“We’re very blessed, this town is,” Bloch said.

That blessing includes financial donations from Elberta businesses to help fund the endeavor.

Bloch began the communitywide Thanksgiving dinner in 2012 in hopes of providing holiday fellowship for Elbertans who might not have family nearby.

“We have a lot of snowbirds in the area,” she said.

The event was an immediate success.

“Over 200 came last year,” Bloch said.

She attributes the event’s success to a single ideal.

“It’s a great way for the community to come together,” Bloch said.

She added that there is no need to bring a covered dish, and the dinner is free.

Bloch also pointed out that take-out meals will also be delivered to home-bound Elberta residents. To provide names of those needing a delivery, call her at 251-747-2291.