LAUREL, Md. - Many across our region are asking for help so they can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. Wednesday night, an early dinner was held for hundreds at a church in Laurel.

The Congregation of Laurel First Assembly of God prepared and served a meal that 10-year-old Kevin Lopez called simply delicious. "I think it's great to come here because you can eat," said Lopez.

He and his mother have had a tough year.

His mother Ivette Gonzalez said, "We're staying in a shelter right now and they invited us."

But food and fellowship left them focussed on what they do have: family.

"It's all worth it in the end when we see the people who need the help, the smiles on their faces, and just their gratitude really blesses us," said Pastor Chris McMillan with the First Assembly of God.

Pastor McMillan says he's getting more calls than ever before from people struggling to get by.

"We've had a lot more people saying they need help," shared McMillan.

So he and his church dug deep, not only providing this meal but raffle prizes that guests can use throughout the holiday season.

Ernest Tackett said, "My daughter won a $25 Visa gift card. Then I turned around and won $10."

Volunteer Shemeka Villalta says it's not only the guests who take something from the experience.

"I am so appreciative for what I have, so to be able to come out and help someone else who doesn't have it is very satisfying," said Villalta.

Several young people also got into the spirit of Thanksgiving Wednesday evening. The Girl Scouts provided live entertainment during dinner.

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