Jacob Oplinger, 13, of Butler (left) and Abbey Klingler, a junior at Point Park University, volunteered to serve members of the community at St. Peter Catholic Parish Hall on Thursday.

Most of Butler was quiet Thursday as shops closed their doors and people gathered with friends and family for Thanksgiving.

But in the parish hall of St. Peter Roman Catholic Church on Franklin Street — where an annual Thanksgiving community meal took place — “quiet” did not exist.

“It's a thanksgiving,” volunteer Danny Offstein said. “You want people to feel ... welcome.”

The dinner menu hit all the Thanksgiving classics: Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce and green beans are cooked on-site. Food is donated whole or bought with donations.

Baked goods like bread and pies are bought or donated separately by people in the community.

Lauren Russo is 21 years old and a Point Park University student from Butler. This year, she volunteered to work the serving line.

“It's important to give back to your community because not everyone is as fortunate as you are,” Russo said. “And it's important to recognize that.”

Read the full story in Friday's Butler Eagle.