Volunteers, donations needed for Everybody Eats

The annual Everybody Eats Thanksgiving dinner in Columbia will proceed as scheduled, but organizers say volunteers are needed for the event.

The event was created and led by former councilwoman Almeta Crayton, who passed away in October.

This year, her son will chair the event and several churches and organizations are donating food and supplies, but more are still needed.

The Thanksgiving Day meal will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stephens College, but organizers say there is more to do than just serving the food.

“Wednesday’s the day before Thanksgiving, they’ll be set up over at Stephens at Stamper Commons and people can come whenever they have time,” said Crayton family spokesman Scott Cristal. “They don’t need to sit there and sign up for a two-hour shift or an hour shift or whatever. They’re able to do and the same goes for on Thanksgiving Day with setups and serving and of course to eat.”

Baskets will not be assembled this year, but the family hopes to organize that part of the event again next year.

Anyone interested in volunteering or making a donation can call 573-228-6340.