VALDOSTA — The Sons of Solomon Lodge No. 151 and Electa Chapter No. 323 were serving the community during their Thanksgiving. 

The groups held the Day of Caring, Sharing and Giving event 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday at the St. John AME Church. 

A turkey dinner with sides, dessert and drinks was served, and free clothing was provided along with haircuts and shaves. Transportation to and from the event was also available for those in need. 

Grand Master Eddie L. Koonce said the group has been holding the Day of Caring event for about 25-30 years. 

“We started this because our organization is based on giving back to the community,” Koonce said. 

He said members of the lodge see their roles as servants and they hold the event to serve the community. 

“I think, as you can see, we have a lot of turmoil in the community, and we need to bring the community together,” he said. 

Also helping with the Day of Caring were members of the St. John AME Church. 

Medora Lawson, a steward at the church, said the church also believes in working with and feeding the community. She said the event was a wonderful thing to do for people and that it was the Christian way. 

“There are so many people this time of year who are lonely,” Lawson said. 

Travis Lane, also a steward at the church, said the event was beneficial, especially during the holidays. 

“It’s so important to give back because during this time of year, the holidays, many people don’t have anything and something as simple as a meal, a smile, a hug or a handshake goes a long way,” Lane said. 

He said since he is blessed and able, he felt he should reach out and give back. 

Kimberly Cannon is a Reporter with The Valdosta Daily Times. Her extension is 1376.