With autumn quickly settling in and the holidays fast approaching, this time of year is ideal to bring loved ones close and gather to share hot food.

On Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, the 24th annual Thanksgiving Love Feast will once again extend the invitation of nourishment to those who are not able to prepare their own meal and wish to have company. The free dinner will start at 11 a.m. and run until 2 p.m. or until the food runs out.

The dinner at the Rome Civic Center is sponsored by the Concerned Citizens of Rome and Floyd County, which is currently looking for further donations to make the event a success.

“We’re in the process of raising funds to feed the people,” said the group’s chair the Rev. Terrell M. Shields. “Based on the economy, the unemployment rate and all, we’re looking at doing as many as we did last year. We can use all we can get.”

In 2011, the feast served 3,000 people from across the area. The organizers are currently in need of donated cakes, pies and other desserts, which may be dropped off at the Civic Center on Nov. 21 after 6 p.m.

To further comfort attendees from the cold weather, coats and jackets will also be available. Those who wish to donate to the supply are asked to drop them off at the Civic Center between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Nov. 21 because of lack of storage space.

Volunteers make the event possible. Time slots are from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., or 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers are asked to call 706-234-2091 to find out when they are needed.

Those who wish to contribute a donation to the event may send checks payable to the “Thanksgiving Love Feast” to P.O. Box 161, Rome, Ga. 30161.

“We get a joy out of seeing it happen,” said Shields. “It’s kind of hectic putting it together but seeing it come full force, we enjoy it.”