After hearing about the wonderful response to the initial effort in 2005 when over 1,000 people from all walks of life enjoyed a traditional turkey dinner together, we vowed to one another that we would not miss it this time. We also made certain that we joined in with the other volunteers to work toward another successful event.

We had no idea what lay in store for us.

Our overwhelmingly positive experience with this year's One Table celebration has deeply affected us and our view of Aiken's volunteers.

Our college freshman daughter rode with me Wednesday night to the "turkey cleaning" session at Newberry Hall. Eighty-six turkeys were generously donated for this year's feast. Several of them weighed in at more than 20 pounds. She had no idea what went into preparing a turkey for eating, and after cleaning more than 20 herself, she glowed with gratitude as it dawned on her exactly what someone else had been doing all these years so she could enjoy a traditional holiday meal. My wife designed the posters that highlighted artwork by local students announcing the event.

As I spent time cleaning, hauling turkeys and talking with this dedicated volunteer group, then witnessing first-hand the next day so many others cooking the meals, smoking, frying or baking the turkeys, carving turkeys, heating casseroles, serving on the buffet line, bringing desserts to the tables and cheerfully assisting in clearing off the tables, the day's message struck hard:

This event is what Thanksgiving really is all about.

Everyone there could have been somewhere else.

They weren't.

I have known many of these volunteers a long time. I couldn't help but think that they all keep full schedules and certainly deserved some down time. They finally had a day off and were entitled to a large meal followed by a retreat to the sofa to watch this year's parade or game on television.

But they didn't do that.

Instead, they worked extremely hard, tastefully decorating the alleyway, setting up for live music performances and tending to last-minute details so that all the food could be served and enjoyed to its fullest. One holiday chef - a volunteer's volunteer - took time away from turkey preparations to cook a full breakfast for the rest of the crew.

And, the whole time, everyone volunteering smiled.

It was not the smile of "I need you to buy something I am selling." Nope, not at all.

Instead, the smiles reflected their immense joy in participating in a community dinner so aptly described as "a handshake and not a handout."

Folks were laughing. They told jokes and shared interesting stories. Current events were debated and the fine musical presentations savored. This time more than 1,600 people took part.

Not all of these folks were at the table: more than 75 meals were delivered to participants in the Meals on Wheels program who would not have normally been delivered a meal on a holiday; ambulance operators and law enforcement officers on duty were delivered a meal as well.

It was a glorious day.

It is hard to remember when the sun has shone so brightly at the intersection of The Alley and Bee Lane. Everyone there drank it all in.

As you read this, you more than likely have no idea what you will be doing next Thanksgiving, but guess where you could be? One Table 2007.

Mere words will never be able to convey to you just how well this event showcases what is so good, impressive and unique about Aiken and its folks. Here, people all around you spend a great deal of time - every day - freely giving their time, talents and treasure to folks they have never met or seen as well as to people they see every day.

These caring and compassionate people - who you know - have no boundaries, no hidden agenda and no expectation of any recognition for their efforts. So, why, you may ask, do they do it? Because that is the essence of Aiken. That is just what folks do here.

So: What are y'all doing next Thanksgiving?

The writer is Aiken's City Solicitor.

(Reprinted from the Aiken Standard Newspaper)