VALDOSTA — A traditional Thanksgiving feast was handed out at The Salvation Army Saturday.

Sponsored by 100 Black Men of Valdosta Inc., the Thanksgiving Food Fest saw turkeys and dinner plates filled with dressing, gravy, greens, green beans and cranberry sauce placed in the hands of people for free.

This is the 16th year the event has been sponsored in conjunction with The Salvation Army, Nathaniel Haugabrook, vice president of 100 Black Men of Valdosta Inc., said.

Meals were also prepared and shipped to places like the Ashley House and Sands Horizon, he said.

Some 42 turkeys, 20 pans of dressing, 25 pans of green beans, 10 pans of collard greens, eight pans of cranberry sauce and more than 500 drinks fed more than 700 people.

Last year 100 Black Men of Valdosta Inc. fed 752 people, Haugabrook said. Some donations were given to purchase the food, but most of it was purchased by members of the organization, he said.

“This is our way of giving back to the community,” Haugabrook said.

More than 40 volunteers helped 100 Black Men members disperse the food on Saturday, coming from all walks of life. Students from Valdosta State University, Lowndes High School, Valdosta High School and Valwood School and others pitched in. This is Salvation Army Capt. Guy Nickum’s first holiday season in Valdosta, having transferred to the area in June.

“It’s a good feeling to know the community is willing to help out,” Nickum said.

He has been stationed in Texas and Oklahoma, but Valdosta seems most committed to serving others in the community, Nickum said.

“There are many of us who came from humble beginnings,” David Troy said.

The 100 Black Men seek to continue to help those in the community as some of them have received help as well, he said.

The organization plans to hold a Christmas Food Fest the Saturday before Christmas Day at The Salvation Army.

Troy, membership chair, said the 100 Black Men of Valdosta Inc. is in the process of a membership drive.

Those interested in joining should call Donald Williams at (229) 251-2050 or David Troy at (229) 300-8400.