COLUMBIA -- Volunteers in Columbia are preparing for their annual community Thanksgiving feast for needy families and individuals.

Former Columbia City Councilwoman Almeta Crayton sponsors a free annual Thanksgiving dinner for the needy of Columbia called “Everyone Eats."

Curtis “Boogieman” Soul is a good friend of Crayton. Dialysis treatments have forced her to slow down, so the Boogieman is picking up the slack. 

Boogieman and his wife, Cathy, plan to stand in front the Columbia Post Office everyday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. until Nov. 24 to collect money and canned goods for Crayton's Thanksgiving dinner.

“We spend our money right back here in the City of Columbia," said the Boogieman. "You’ll see us at the different stores and things spending money.  We’re not asking for a bailout or a stimulus package. We’re doing the Columbia thing. We’re being friends and we’re looking out for each other. We’re asking people to come out here to the spot where I am and help Almeta Crayton out.”

The Boogieman can’t accept turkeys or hams at the post office. He does take cash, canned vegetables and potatoes. 

No government money pays for Crayton's free Thanksgiving dinner. The generosity of donors is the sole source of support.

“There are people who don’t have anything right now; we all deserve to be thankful," said Johanna Cox-Littrell, a volunteer. "Those people are very thankful for Almeta providing this beautiful meal for them. I’m very thankful that Almeta is around to organize it and allow me to be a part of it to help volunteer.”

With many Columbia businesses having to lay off workers this year, the need for assistance continues to grow.

“We are just going to have to all reach together and help," said the Boogieman. "We have to start making everyday Thanksgiving.”

Crayton’s “Everyone Eats” Thanksgiving dinner takes place on Thanksgiving Day at Columbia’s Nephew’s Night Life on Business Loop 70 East.

A fundraiser takes place this Saturday between noon and 7 p.m. at that same location.

For more information, you can call (573) 529-2151 or (573) 874-0284.