For decades, the American Legion Post 927 in Gilbert has hosted its annual community Thanksgiving meal. The aroma of turkey and all the fixings fills the air of the social hall and tables are set with wrapped silverware and fall centerpieces

“This is a team effort. We had a lot of volunteers who came in since last weekend to prepare and cook the meal,” said Everett Shaver, post commander.

The crew cooked 31 turkeys, 18 hams, 100 pounds of potatoes, 50 pounds of sweet potatoes, and 20 pounds of ground sausage that went into the four cases of stuffing, he said. The buffet also had green beans, gravy, dinner rolls and the dessert area — which had various cakes and pies made at home or local bakery.

Shaver said a few community groups donated food, money and their time helping at the event. This includes the Bikers Against Cop Killers (B.A.C.K.) northeast PA chapter, Latin American Motorcycle Association (L.A.M.A.) and Brodheadsville Eye Care Center.

“We delivered 40 meals to state troopers at the Fern Ridge and Lehighton barracks, and an ambulance crew from Lehigh Valley Health Network EMS came inside and went through the buffet line to get their meals,” said Shaver.

Shaver and Zach Taylor, first vice commander, have been volunteering at this event for many years. They love seeing former volunteers return and meeting newcomers, who grab a serving spoon and begin filling the plates of those in line.

“I had an awesome day. I can’t wait to do this again,” said first-time volunteer Doug Guinn, a Saylorsburg resident and there volunteering with his wife and daughter.

Veteran Jim Grim has been welcoming guests and adding tally marks to his attendance sheet for years. He likes being the first person guests see and chatting with them a moment.

The Legion served 341 people and raised $1,073 in cash donations, he said.

“I don’t have to do the cooking or cleaning up. This is delicious,” said Martha Stout.

She and her husband, Donald Stout, were joined by their daughter Pamela Stout, her wife, Cheryl Klock, and her mother, Margaret Klock.

The Stouts and Klocks said they were having a nice time and enjoying each other’s company. They don’t all get together very often, so it was a chance to catch up with one another.

Around 3 p.m., Taylor and other volunteers who had not had the chance to sit down to eat, took the time to do so and share stories.

An Army veteran shared how his nephew recently helped him set up a new laptop so he could check email and some other tasks. Taylor talked about days leading up to this, which he spent in the kitchen with so many of the other volunteers.

“This is but one way we give back to the community,” said Shaver. “Our other programs include Operation Touch of Home and veteran suicide prevention.”

For more information: https://www.ampost927.org.