A Time to Share organizers are in the process of gathering resources for the group’s annual Thanksgiving Dinner.

Each Thanksgiving for the last four years, A Time to Share has hosted a holiday dinner for community members who might otherwise miss out.

“The response has been great. But with the economy so bad, our donations are down,” event organizer Grace Clayton said. “We are soliciting donations.”

The event has grown considerably over its brief tenure as a struggling economy has more people out of work and in need of such assistance. Unfortunately, the same economic conditions have made it difficult for local businesses and benefactors to assist with the event.

“The city of Demopolis, from the mayor on down, has tried to help as much as they could,” Clayton said. “There is a greater need, but the money is a lot less.”

A Time to Share is currently seeking to funds to accommodate the anticipated crowd of a few hundred people on Thanksgiving Day with needs ranging from cups, plates and napkins to the food itself.

“We had 225 (people) the first year. It was 425 last year. We also served food to homebound, disabled, the nursing home,” Clayton said. “Nobody is ever turned away. We serve until the last person has been served.”

The group was founded in 2007 and has since provided benevolence meals for Thanksgiving and Independence Day while also filling in assistance in other areas.

“A Time to Share was founded in 2007 and has worked consecutively every year since. This year, we also helped the tornado victims in Faunsdale,” Clayton said. “Our founder, Bradley White, feels it is a great honor to be able to serve his community. It feels so great to be able to serve those who are in need. We know what it is like to be in between jobs and just really having it hard. We know everybody in the community. We love them and we want to see them be able to have a great meal, to be able to sit down with their kids at Thanksgiving.”

The event is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day from noon until 2 p.m. at the Hope Hill District Association Center at 901 East Pettus Street in Demopolis.

“Everybody gets served. Everybody gets something to eat. If they need any help after Thanksgiving, we’re still there. We’re there 365 days of the year,” Clayton said.

Clayton said the group will be taking donations up until Thanksgiving Day. Those interested in assisting with the cause are encouraged to contact A Time to Share at 289-0071 or 341-3464 or 341-1931.

“Thanks to every church, business and individual who has helped throughout the year,” Clayton said.