More than 300 children and families gathered at the Charles Houston Recreation Center Nov. 25 for the third annual “Friendsgiving” dinner sponsored by the Alexandria Police, Fire and Sheriff’s departments and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities.

“Friendsgiving is a great way for us to give back to the community,” said Police Chief Michael Brown. “The APD family is a big part of this, and we really enjoy seeing people come out and sharing in those Thanksgiving blessings.”

Brown was joined by Sheriff’s Office Lieutenant Sean Casey, acting Fire Chief Corey Smedley and recreation department volunteers in visiting with members of the community and sharing a Thanksgiving meal.

“Our Friendsgiving dinner is an opportunity for the community, law enforcement and fire department personnel to sit down and have a meal together,” said Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Activities Outreach Coordinator Michael Johnson. “It’s a great evening and shows that everybody is human regardless of what job they do.”

In addition to the Friendsgiving meal, the Keith Burns Foundation and Old Town residents Hazel and Ronald Rigby donated turkeys and meal baskets for designated families in need to take home for Thanksgiving Day.