Clayton community comes together for Thanksgiving meal

Organizers estimated that more than 3,000 people ate at the Thanksgiving Community Sit-Down Meal, which was served from 11 to 2 p.m. at the Clayton Civitan Club. Meals were also delivered to people's homes.

Richard Michael sees it as his small part to making the world a better place. While he and his neighbors realize they can't solve all the world's problems, this they can do: Nourish those in need in their own neighborhoods. 

“I just enjoy doing it, mentally, physically," Michael said. "I like to see the people fed.”

Beth Johnson brought her son, Travis, 13, her mother and other relatives to dine together.

"I gives me the opportunity to get my loved ones together and doesn’t cost me to fellowship with them,” she said.

Thanks to a local food bank and the Girl Scouts, she'll have enough to prepare a Thanksgiving meal at home as well.  

"We give out the tickets. We tell people, 'If you don’t have a ticket, come on. We’ve got room for you,'" he said. "It’s like the State Fair. It gets bigger and better each year."