Volunteer Gus Little prepares to serve his plate at the Burnsville Recreation & Learning Center's Thanksgiving Baskets celebration Nov. 20.

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Some BRLC volunteers enjoy the meal during the recent Thanksgiving program at the center. From right, Harold Ledbetter, Gus Little, Kermit (Billy) Burns, Arnettte Thomas and Kids Cafe student Chelesea Thomas.

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Pictured are some of the volunteers that helped make the Burnsville Recreation & Learning Center's Thanksgiving celebration a fun and bless time for all. From left, Sara Burns, Mary Thomas, Brenda Benton, Louise Caudle, Jeremy Sikes, Carol Jeffery, Latraya Ingram and Mary Hammond. Not pictured: Lucy Smith, Barbara Coble.

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The Burnsville Recreation and Learning Center hosted its annual Thanksgiving Basket Celebration Nov. 20. This is a special time when sponsors provide food-filled baskets to families that need a little help this time of the year.

Dinner was catered and served at 5 p.m. The food for the meal was donated by volunteers, BRLC and the Second Harvest Food Bank. Volunteers Mary Hammond, Brenda Benton and Lucy Smith of Ansonville and helper Jeremy Sikes all worked together to provide a delicious meal, as well as clean up the kitchen. The Thanksgiving dinner included turkey, dressing, green beans, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy, dinner rolls, yams, dessert, and beverage. More than 80 meals were served.

The Thanksgiving Gathering Celebration started at 6 p.m. and was hosted by volunteers Mary Thomas and Barbara Coble. Thomas welcomed all the guests that attended, and Coble shared the purpose for the Thanksgiving Celebration and history of the BRLC from 2011 was given at this time. Pastor Dennis Stegall of Rocky River Baptist Church was the invited guest speaker. He spoke on being thankful and how through the act of Jesus the Christ many years ago, we have each been give a reason to be thankful all year long.

Vocal selections were given by 5-year-old Chelesea Thomas of Burnsville, 7-year-old Powe triplets who are the grandchildren of Carolyn Richardson, formerly Kids Café coordinator teacher for the BRLC, and 12-year-old Cruge Carpenter of Harmony Community Church. Volunteer Delma Ingram of Ansonville and Minister Mary Burns of Peachland did selections also. Harmony Community Church, Rocky River Baptist and BRLC work together in this effort and provided assistance to 20 different local families. Pastor Rocky Carpenter closed the event with a warm closing.

As this year comes to an end, we ask that each of you keep this worthwhile organization in your mind and remember that all donations are tax exempt. We only operate on your kind and generous donations. This county continues to be blessed as BRLC and others help those in need.