Residents from across Pearl River County are invited to a free Thanksgiving dinner being offered by the Torrence Family Schoolhouse 4-H Community Club.

Agnes Dalton said the event has been growing each year; last year about 300 people showed up to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving feast.

This year there will be a number of holiday favorites, including turkey, ham and smoked pork. Sides will include macaroni and cheese, dressing and sweet potatoes to name a few.  Dalton said the children in the club cook the meal, and learn a lot while doing it.

In addition to learning how to cook, the 27 children who are putting this year’s event on are learning about the need in their community, compassion for others and organizational skills.

Dalton said that this is the fifth year the club has offered the free meal. It has grown so much that they had to move the event to the storm shelter in Poplarville, located on Highway 26 near the County Fairgrounds.

Any food that remains after the event is sent to a local home for the mentally challenged and to the trustees at the Lenoir/Rowell Correctional Facility in Millard.

The free meal will be offered on Nov. 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Anyone who needs to have a meal delivered due to a health or other situation can reserve delivery by calling Kim Torrence at 601-569-0991 or Dalton at 601-746-6020 before Nov. 8.

Dalton said that about 20 meals were delivered last year.

Door prizes will be given away the day of the event.