Yale Cullings with the YMCA Black Achievers Program reported that 200 attended the group’s Nov. 21 Thanksgiving dinner for the needy at the Sportsman’s Association Building in Franklin.

Some 50 students and 10 adult volunteers helped.

“More people could have been served had we not run out of food,” Cullings said. “This event was successful thanks to the donation of five turkeys by Donell Lee, a former Black Achiever and founder of Lending a Hand Foundation.”

She also commended the “757 Divas,” who donated desserts and volunteered at the event; Clyde Johnson, who deep-fried the turkeys; Gloria Wiggins with the Franklin Department of Social Services; and others who donated and prepared food.

In its 18th year, the YMCA Black Achievers Program motivates high school students in Southampton County, Franklin and Camptown toward setting educational and career goals, and developing leadership skills.

The student advisory committee hosted the dinner as its fall community service project.

Other community service activities throughout the year include entertaining the elderly at a nursing home for Christmas and participating in Clean River Day.

Alfreda Harris is the student coordinator for the YMCA Black Achievers Program.

• The Hicksford Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution recently presented a copy of Joe Tennis’ book “Beach to Bluegrass: Places to Brake on Virginia’s Longest Road” to the Walter Cecil Rawls Library in Courtland.

The Hicksford Chapter serves Southampton and Greensville counties and Emporia.

GWEN ALBERS is managing editor of The Tidewater News. Her e-mail address is gwen.albers@tidewaternews.com.