Miles Sandlin sat surrounded by family Tuesday evening in the Poplar Bluff High School cafeteria with a grin and piece of turkey hanging from his mouth. He continued to nibble on his food as his mother, April, asked what he liked the best.
It was clear the turkey was Miles' favorite at the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner hosted by the Poplar Bluff High School student council.
"We have been coming for years," Aaron Sandlin said. "We come out to support and donate and enjoy the food."
Food Service Director Dixie Harden said the event always goes well with a lot of help from the school district.
"I have an awesome team and this is a two-to-three day effort," she said. "Each school is responsible for cooking part of the meal and without pulling together this wouldn't happen."
With the help of Chartwells picking up the tab for the food, Harden and her team cooked for 1,200 community members.
"It's important that people who won't have a Thanksgiving dinner know there are people out here who care," she said.
Harden went on to say the Community Thanksgiving Dinner is a chance for people in the area to come together and interact.
"Here, we are a big family," she said.
Julie Elwood and her mother, Mary Lou Elwood, embodied the community theme of the event by inviting neighbor, Pam Hillis, to the event for the first year.
"I really like the event and the entertainment has been good with good food," Hillis said. "I am making plans to attend next year."
The Elwoods have been attending the Community Thanksgiving event for three years by making it a part of their seasonal events.
"We get to get out with the community and see the school and hear good music," Julie said. "And we don't have to cook."
Oak Grove teacher Carey Wilkerson has been attending the event for several years as well and was joined by her husband, Josh, and two children last night.
"The food is delicious and it's a great community event," she said. "Personally, I love seeing students from the past and it's a fun event to get out and enjoy."
Wilkerson's children, Clara and Cohen, sat with their parents enjoying the evening as well.
"My favorite is the mashed potatoes," Clara said.
Cohen continued to eat, enjoying his food and was "entranced" by the music, Carey said.
"It has been good service and good food," Josh said.
Father and daughter Tod and Drew Spradley have attended the Community Thanksgiving Dinner together for the past three years.
Drew, who is a sixth grade student and in the choir, said she liked the music and listening to the bands.
"It's wonderful to get everyone together and give something back to the community," Tod said.
Student Council Advisor Mitch Davis said Chartwells gets the credit for the successful event.
"Their staff comes in to work and has spent a lot of time," he said of the meal for the community.
JROTC students assisted people entering the building and pointed them in direction of the meal, while about 40 student council members accepted donations for Haven House and colored with children.
The PBHS band, jazz band and choir provided entertainment during the meal while elementary students decorated placemats.
"I love events that bring people into our school for no reason other than fellowship," Superintendent Dr. Scott Dill said.