An estimated 500 people gathered at noon Thanksgiving Day for the annual community Thanksgiving Dinner sponsored by the Ellis County Ministerial Alliance.

More than 100 volunteers of all ages served up the traditional turkey and trimmings, plus pie for dessert, all cooked by Pam Burgardt, co-owner of the Bakery Shop Catering Company.

Event co-chair Leslie Radius, Trinity Lutheran Church pastor, says 300 grocery bags filled with  donated non-perishable foods, were given to the attendees as they left the dinner at the Hays National Guard Armory.  More donated food, fillings two vans, will be given to the Community Assistance Center.

For the second year, to-go dinners were taken to people unable to come to the Armory.

Be watching Street Beat Eagle Community TV Channel 14 for more.