Area residents are invited to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday, Nov. 21 at Gratefull. Gratefull, formerly known as One Table created by Causeway, is free to attend and a traditional Thanksgiving meal to be provided at no cost between 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the middle of the 200-block of E. Martin Luther King Boulevard in front of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.
Officials said, "Gratefull began in Chattanooga in 2014 and since then, every year the week before or the week leading into Thanksgiving, cities across the country shut down a city block for strangers and friends to gather and share a meal in the middle of the street at one long table.
Through Gratefull, organizers are removing barriers and bringing people together from across social boundaries, simply to get to know each other and build understanding. Because any and everyone is invited to the Thanksgiving table, Gratefull has evolved into Chattanooga’s most culturally diverse and inclusive event.
"The concept of Gratefull has been adopted by multiple cities throughout the southeast including Milan, Nashville, Huntsville and Dalton.
"For those who attend Gratefull and would like to give back to the community, luncheon attendees are encouraged to bring supplies to benefit the Maclellan Shelter for Families. Items of need include nonperishable food, coffee supplies, disposable plates & silverware, hygienic supplies including toothpaste, diapers and laundry supplies."