Church serves up hundreds of meals for annual “Day Before Thanksgiving” event

Shayla Escudero / Lincoln Chronicle **Every year, South Beach Church holds the Day Before Thanksgiving Meal which includes a candlelight dinner and live music at the Newport Armory building.**

The Newport Armory was turned into a giant, elegant dining hall Wednesday afternoon as South Beach Church staged its 11th annual The Day Before Thanksgiving Meal to any and everyone who had an appetite. By noon Wednesday a large line had already formed inside the armory as dozens of people waited to be served turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, candied yams, green beans, rolls and cranberry sauce.

Shayla Escudero / Lincoln Chronicle **Volunteer Chuck McChord scoops candied yams onto the plates of patrons who form a line to receive Thanksgiving dishes.**

For 11 years South Beach Church has put together its The Day Before Thanksgiving Meal. There were candle centerpieces on cloth-covered tables, live music, string lights and an image of a cracking fireplace projected on the wall. Last year, the church served meals to more than 700 people, said Pastor Tobias Cook.

“We just want to be a light to the community, help as much as possible and make people feel loved,” Cook said.