A Thanksgiving lunch at Jefferson Davis Community College Thursday will be the first of several such community meals.

Lisa Thomas, who as owner of Drexel and Honeybee restaurant cooks and serves lunches to both the public and the Jefferson Davis Community College students, has issued an invitation to the third annual Thanksgiving dinner which will be served at the Student Center on Thursday.

“We are having the dinner this week because the students will not be here the week of Thanksgiving,” Thomas said. “We want to give something back to the people of our community, especially those who are struggling in this economy. Maybe this will give someone hope that things will get better. Thanksgiving is all about lending a hand of hope. People who are having a hard time appreciate what they have, and those of us who are not doing so badly can maybe help someone else. It gives me a natural ‘high’ to see other people get a blessing.”

Thomas will begin serving at 11 a.m. at the Student Center. The plates will be served to those who wish to eat in the dining room. Those who need plates for takeout are asked to take only one extra.

“We should have plenty of food,” Thomas said. “But last year, we had some people who wanted to take more than one plate and it got a little confused. We want everyone to receive a plate, enjoy and be thankful for what they have.”

Next week, two churches in the community, First United Methodist Church and Divine Temple, are planning Thanksgiving lunches.