For 14 years, Thanksgiving has come early to the Brundidge community through the generosity of Cornelius Griffin, his family and friends.

The Tuesday before Thanksgiving Griffin hosts a community Thanksgiving dinner which is his way of saying “thank you,” to the Brundidge community for the support and encouragement he received throughout his high school, college and professional football careers.

Many young boys dream of playing in the NFL and Griffin knows that he was blessed to live that dream. He also knows that he is blessed to have grown up in a loving and caring community. So, when he was looking for a way to give back to the community where he grew up, his idea was to host an annual Thanksgiving dinner for the elderly and those who might otherwise not have a traditional Southern Thanksgiving dinner.

For such an undertaking, Griffin enlists the help of his mother, Martha, his wife, Kimberly and a host of church members and friends who prepare and deliver the boxed dinners. In return, they experience the joy of giving.

“All of us receive a blessing from doing this,” Griffin said. “I look forward to it every year and really appreciate all of those who help make it possible.”

Preparing Thanksgiving dinner for about 700 people “takes a village.”

“So many people are involved in making it happen,” Martha Griffin said. “Lily White Church, the Jerusalem Temple and the Brundidge Rotary Club all help and we couldn’t do it without them.”

Cornelius Griffin supplies the turkeys, 52 of them this year, and four hams. The trimmings are donated by family and church members.

Martha Griffin, laughingly, said she has no idea how much dressing it takes for the annual community Thanksgiving dinner. “I do know that we use 120 pounds of potatoes for the potato salad,” she said. “And, I don’t have any idea about the turnips and collards. I know it was a lot of greens to gather and wash.”

Robert Boyd donates the greens from his patch each year and also the sweet potatoes for the eight huge soufflés.

This year more than 400 meals were delivered and 200 or more meals were served at Brundidge Station. And that did not include the 50 Thanksgiving boxes that were prepared for families in need.

“Cornelius had the idea for these boxes and the S.D. James Association was eager to participate along with him,” said Kimberly Griffin.

“These Thanksgiving boxes were delivered to those who are able to prepare a Thanksgiving meal but don’t have the money to buy the ingredients. The boxes included a turkey, greens, yams, macaroni and cheese and potatoes and several other items to make a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.”

Kimberly Griffin said the Thanksgiving dinner is an opportunity for joyful giving and the meals are accepted with deep appreciation. “People are very appreciative,” she said. “They send letters and cards of thanks and stop us on the street to say ‘thank you’ but just knowing they enjoy a Thanksgiving meal is thanks enough for all of us.”