South Caldwell Christian Ministries is making plans to offer its traditional Thanksgiving luncheon for senior citizens of Caldwell County.

The annual event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21 from 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Family Life Center on Crestview Street in Granite Falls. And, as in years past, organizers are expecting a big crowd.

"I'm hoping all our seniors can come again," said Becky Barlow, South Caldwell Christian Ministries executive director. "We've had a tremendous response to this event. We've been doing it for 20 years, and it gets larger and larger each year."

Barlow said the ministry usually feeds about 400 people who show up for the annual event and another 350-400 who order take-out lunches.

"Our elderly people love this event, and they're very thankful for it," Barlow said. "Sometimes we forget the contributions they make, and this is a way we can recognize them. We enjoy doing this and honoring them with such an event."

Senior citizens who attend the annual luncheon or order a take-out plate will be treated to traditional Thanksgiving fare. There will be turkey, ham, green beans, corn, cranberry sauce, gravy, rolls and plenty of desserts. The food is provided by the 37 churches that are part of the ministry.

Members of the South Caldwell Christian Ministries board of directors will prepare the food, and it will be served by local students from different organizations like Beta clubs, student councils and church youth groups.

"The kids enjoy being with the senior citizens, and the seniors enjoy being around the kids," Barlow said. "You put those two age groups together, even with the difference in years, and they have a great time."

In addition to the meal, door prizes also will be awarded during the luncheon to those in attendance.

Barlow said it's not uncommon for people to start arriving around 10 a.m. for the luncheon, usually to catch up with friends they may not have seen since the previous year's event.

"They come early because it gives them an opportunity to get together and talk, to catch up on things," she said. "It's a chance for them to get together and fellowship, and they all seem to enjoy each other."

Limited transportation is provided for senior citizens who need a way to reach the event. SCCM will provide that transportation for seniors from Hudson south to the county line. Anyone needing a ride to the luncheon should contact the ministry at 828-396-4000 by Thursday, Nov. 19

Take-out orders can be placed by calling 828-396-4000 by Thursday, Nov. 19. They will be ready at 1 p.m. on the day of the luncheon.

Anyone with questions about the luncheon can contact South Caldwell Christian Ministries at 828-396-4000 on Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Wednesday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

"This has been a wonderful thing for our community," Barlow said of the annual luncheon. "We want to keep doing it as long as we can because so many people enjoy it."