Hundreds of children and families gathered at Charles Houston Recreation Center Nov. 26 as the annual Friendsgiving dinner was celebrated in the community.

“We have been doing this for the last 20 years with all of our first responders,” said organizer Michael Johnson. “It started with Keith Burns, who went to T.C. then played with the Denver Broncos and is now coaching at Tennessee State. This is something he wanted to do for the community.”

With Officer Bennie Evans as head chef, volunteers were on hand to cook and serve the pre-Thanksgiving meal to families from across the city.

“Officer Evans has been cooking for us for the last 18 years,” Johnson said. “My role is to make sure that families have turkey and Thanksgiving baskets and we try to feed them as well.”

Supporters and sponsors include the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office, the Alexandria Police Department, Alexandria Fire Department, the Keith and Michelle Burns Foundation, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, the Social Responsibility Group and My Fathers Church.

The dinner is a way for members of the community to get to know their local first responders.

“Building bridges with law enforcement in our community is so important,” said Sheriff Sean Casey. “We want to be friends with you, we want to be partners with you. We don’t always want to see folks when they are at their worst, we want to see folks at their best which is here having dinner with all of you.”

A volunteer serves Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 26 at Charles Houston Recreation Center.