Dozens of volunteers from areas churches, civic groups and youth organizations served up several hundred meals Nov. 21 during the Alliance of Church's annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Lakeview Center.

"There are so many people in this day and age that need help, that need things, so we're here to help," said Rob Weischedel, bishop at Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

"That's what the savior would have us do."

The congregation at the Dahlonega ward of the Church of Latter-Day Saints supplied and prepared the majority of the food, while volunteers of all ages served the full-course feast.

Hayley Adams, a student at North Georgia College & State University, was on hand with a group of middle school volunteers offering their services.

A leader with Wyldlife, the middle school division of YoungLife, Clark said she wants to be a good role model for the younger students.

"I felt it would be a good way to remind myself of the importance of Thanksgiving and to give back to others, and to show the younger kids that giving back is something they should do too," she said.

Lynda Cromwell, who attended the dinner with her 5-year-old granddaughter Frankie Adcock, said she was appreciative of the Thanksgiving feast.

"It gives us some special time together," she said.

Katie Gee, 10, and friend Kayona Holder, both of Gainesville, called the event, which included live music from local bluegrass band Crossroads, a blessing.

"Thanksgiving is a time to say thank you for all your blessings, for our food, for our families and for our friends," Gee said. "It's nice to have a nice Thanksgiving dinner with your family and friends. And the music is so good."

In all, more than 400 meals were served, including 150 that were delivered to homebound, elderly residents in the Meals on Wheels Program.

The remaining food was taken to the county's fire stations and sheriff's office for those working during the holiday weekend.