ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - As Thanksgiving approaches, families across Albany are preparing to cook and celebrate together. But for many, the holiday meal can be a financial challenge.

To help bridge that gap, St. James Missionary Baptist Church stepped up once again to provide free Thanksgiving meals to members of the community.

Volunteers handed out staples such as collard greens, corn, apples, and of course, turkeys. Deacon Martin Barnes says the church’s mission is simple: to bring comfort to those who may be struggling during the holiday season.

“It’s very important because right now the world itself is in a hurt mode right about now,” Barnes said. “But to be able to ease some of the hurt in the world, that’s what we’re trying to do. That’s what God would want you to do — try and ease the pain of the world and help people that don’t have.”

The giveaway marked another uplifting community event aimed at supporting families who need it most — a positive trend that has been growing throughout Albany in recent weeks.

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