More than 500 guests enjoyed an early Thanksgiving feast with all the trimmings including the ever-popular selection of pies (above) at St. Elizabeth Catholic Community Center in Rockford, Nov. 19.

Lisa Kilmer , a first-time volunteer, was motivated by her mom to help out at the event while Larry Buckwalter, a volunteer for 16 years from St. Rita Parish Knights of Columbus, worked in the kitchen with fellow St. Rita parishioner, Jim Strey.

It was Strey’s first time volunteering at St. Elizabeth Center.

Bishop David Malloy also joined the volunteers to serve the dinner, a tradition of almost three-decades.