Mayor Buster Porch updated the council on community Thanksgiving meal operations, saying there are 13 confirmed sites across the city and praising the volunteers who run the program.

Porch said the effort is longstanding and multi-site by design so residents across north, south, east and west Gadsden can access meals. He noted that volunteers prepared 10,996 meals in a single day last year and that the program relies on dozens of volunteers and local church partners. Porch listed multiple serving sites and times, including Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church (408 N. 9th St., 11 a.m.–2 p.m.), Universal Worship Center (1608 Fillmore Ave., 3 p.m.–6 p.m.), New Liberty Christian Church/New Destiny (201 Goldenrod, 9 a.m.–11 a.m.), Freedom Center (1601 W. Meighan Blvd., noon–2 p.m.), two Damascus Baptist Church locations (1709 Barnes Ave., 10:30 a.m.–noon; 547 Tyler St., noon–2 p.m.), Salvation Army (114 N. 11th St., noon–3 p.m.), Tabernacle Baptist (924 E. Broad St., 9 a.m.–11 a.m.), Dynamic Outreach Ministry (2101 Broadway Ave., noon–2 p.m.), Abundant Life Church (323 S. 12th St., 9 a.m.–11 a.m.), First Baptist (Glencoe, 103 N. Cottage St., 11 a.m.–1 p.m.) and Friendship Baptist (709 3rd Ave. NW, 9 a.m.–11 a.m.).

Porch thanked long-time organizers including Pastor Simmons and volunteer leaders, and councilmembers echoed appreciation for volunteers and partner churches. The mayor encouraged citizens to both attend and volunteer as needed.