One Table returns to bring Thanksgiving meal and fellowship to Aiken community

Nov. 25—Thanksgiving food, community and fellowship were on tab during the annual One Table event.

"I am happy to see everyone getting together and bringing their families together," Rodney Carter said. "I am just happy to see it and that is why I am excited."

One Table, which provides a free community meal on Thanksgiving, made its return to Aiken after the event was paused for the last two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One Table has been having the event for the last 14 and partnered with the local The Salvation Army of Aiken in providing the free meal.

Usually held in The Alley in downtown Aiken, this year the event was held under a tent at The Salvation Army's headquarters at 322 Gayle Ave.

In addition to the traditional Thanksgiving favorites of turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, and yams, Aiken residents also had a chance to fellowship and get to know other people in their community.

"I love the One Table and this is probably my third time," Aiken native Michelle Carter said.

Michelle Carter said she likes how she is able to socialize with people she has never met before and is also glad the event is back.

"Everyone was just waiting for it to come back together once again," she said. "Everyone is happy and it is beautiful."

Cindy Fall moved to Aiken about two months ago and before coming to the One Table event, she and some friends went to The Blessing of the Hounds.

"I think it is really incredible and it is really neat to see the community all come together on Thanksgiving and celebrate it like this," Fall said.

First-time attendee Carmen Riddles brought her family to the event after moving from Connecticut and is glad she could attend this year.

Aiken visitors Ellen Malick and Piper Dankworth came to the event for the fun of it and the for the community.

"I love the generosity in the town," Ellen Malick said.

One Table Event Coordinator Kathryn Wade said the event is a big deal each year and usually serves around 800 to 1,000 people during the meal.

She said she's thankful the organization was able to have the event this year and that it's a great event for the community to come together on Thanksgiving.

"I think it's just a good opportunity for people to meet different people in the community and participate," Wade said.