As people walked up to the window Thursday to get a meal at the BOSCO Nutrition Center, volunteer Kamau Kenyatta asked them what they were thankful for.

Kenyatta, a social worker who has made it a Thanksgiving tradition to volunteer at the center, said he always asks, because he truly wants to know what people have to be appreciative of each year.

“A lot of times in life people take things for granted and especially on Thanksgiving, it’s a great time, so I personally want to know are you thankful and then I want to know why you are thankful,” Kenyatta said. “I’m thankful for being here.”

Many of those who received a plate were thankful for God, for being alive and for the food they were receiving.

“When people say God, it just kind of makes it all worthwhile,” Kenyatta said.

The center had consistent traffic Thursday as hundreds came through to get a plate of turkey and dressing, apple pie, cranberry sauce and green beans.

Many walked in, quickly grabbed a meal and went on their way. However, even more took a seat and took part in a healthy conversation to go along with a plate of good food.

“If they can eat twice, they are welcome,” said Mary Gayle, who has been working with the Edmundite Missions for nearly 30 years. “If they can eat three times, they are still welcome. As much as they want.”

In Dallas County, where the poverty rate is high and the unemployment rate is also among the highest in the state, there’s a clear need and the nutrition center filled it Thursday.

Brady Perry, nutrition director for the nutrition center, estimated on Wednesday that the center would serve over 500 meals on Thanksgiving. Some of those meals were through Meals on Wheels, but many were at the nutrition center.

“There’s a lot of people that just don’t have anything. They’re extremely poor,” Perry said on Wednesday.

Marlena Albritton, who helped cook all of the food, said meal preparation started on Wednesday evening and continued into Thursday morning. She said at one time she was on the other side of the counter, getting food.

On Thursday, she was handing out meals and working at the center.

“I was on the other side of the line,” Albritton said. “From my shoes, I was on that other side. It makes me feel bad some days about being on this side and they are on that side, but it makes me feel better to give back.”

The center was open from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Thursday, just like it is throughout the year. Due to those who spent their time working Thursday, many in the community went home with full stomachs and plenty to be thankful for.