Men, women, and children from around the area had a reason to give thanks with a free Thanksgiving dinner courtesy of the St. Peter’s Community Resource Center, 177 Main Road, Lehighton.

At least 50 pre-registered, with more expected during the afternoon.

“We are thrilled to have this day, Thanksgiving, for the homeless, the needy, everyone who needs a meal,” said John Partenio, Lehighton, a volunteer with St. Peter’s.

“This is our first year doing this. My daughter introduced the idea last year. She suggested it again this year, and we said, ‘Let’s do it!’”

Thanksgiving dinner consisted of freshly made turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, filling, corn, green beans, cranberry sauce, and gravy. For dessert, there were pumpkin and apple pies, pumpkin cream roll, and many more homemade goodies.

“Everything is made fresh,” Partenio said. “The mashed potatoes were just made this morning.”

“I’m happy to be here,” said Margaret Smith of Weissport, clearly enjoying the meal.

Partenio also thanked the corporate sponsors of the dinner: Giant, Weis, Walmart, Starbucks, Zimmerman’s Dairy, BRC Channel 13, and the Times News.

St. Peter’s Community Resource Center offers a variety of activities for people; Bible study, Faith Family night, women’s’ group, Girl Scouts, and other groups who use the hall.