Hundreds of wiregrass residents celebrated Thanksgiving a little early this year.

Saturday, the Hartford Food Pantry served anyone and everyone looking for a hot meal and a little company.

Volunteers and community members came together to make sure those who came in looking for a nice lunch, left with a full stomach.

It's turkey time in the city of Hartford.

“We're basically feeding them thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings,” said George Gomes, Assistant Director for the Hartford Food Pantry.

The Hartford Food Pantry has been stuffing their shelves for months so people could stuff their faces.

“All the food is brought in through the food pantry. a lot of it is donated. Some of it is purchased,” said Gomes.

Organizers plan to feed anywhere from 500 to 600 people.

They expect people to come for the fellowship, but they say the food, isn't bad either.

“It was absolutely delicious!”

Frances Mathis came with her senior group from coffee springs.

She came for the food and the fun.

“It makes me feel more active for my age and it's just nice to be able to interact with other people and do things for other people,” said Mathis.

“It's just a time people can get together and share,” said Rosetter Gomes, founder and director of the Hartford Food Pantry

She says putting on an event like this all starts with generous donations.

“That helps me to help someone else and we appreciate it and we let them know we appreciate it. So any donation that's given we accept them and we pass it on to the next person who's in need,” said Gomes.

Her husband says it's all about helping those who need it the most.

“It's our dream to help senior citizens in need and all needy people wherever they may be and that's what we live to do,” said Gomes.

Mathis agrees.

“I try to help those who aren't able to help themselves and that's what life is all about,”

Helping the needy, one spoonful at a time.

The food pantry served 380 plates today.

Not the 500 they were aiming for but still, 380 people got a good meal for free.

The food pantry is always looking for more donations.

If you'd like to donate, you can visit their headquarters in Hartford on East Main Street, just north of downtown.