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It was a feast to feed many hungry mouths — 400, to be exact.

Kicking off its 25th year with its largest gathering yet, the Roscoe C. Cartwright Lodge 129 Jurisdiction of Maryland, an Accokeek-based Masonic Lodge, rolled out its annual senior Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 24, as seniors from around Prince George's County and Washington, D.C., flooded into the activity center at the Accokeek Volunteer Fire Department.

The lodge invited residents from several senior centers and communities, including facilities in Chillum, Camp Springs, Mitchellville, Fort Washington and Seat Pleasant.

The event has become somewhat of a ritual for county residents, as every year the turnout continues to swell. More than 400 attended this year's event, as 40 volunteers rolled out more than 20 turkeys, countless apple and sweet potato pies and a few dozen hams.

Representatives from the lodge said local business and grocery stores donated items and food, and seniors were transported via donated buses from community centers across the county.

James Stokes, a Lodge officer, said the efforts reflect the Masons' larger goal of community involvement and giving back to the area's older adults.

"It's a pleasure to do this," he said. "It makes us feel whole. Those of us who work take off work and give our time."

While most of the volunteers where members of the Lodge, several volunteers were from community churches in Prince George's and Charles counties.

Few of the volunteers have put in as many hours as Pat Beard, an eight-year volunteer who was busy in the kitchen during the dinner, shuffling and slicing turkeys. She had been cooking turkeys and other Thanksgiving foods for two days prior to the dinner, loading the items one-by-one in her car over the days.

"It's a job, but I love doing it," she said. "The gratification I get from the people I serve [is worth it]."

During the event, the audience was treated to live music in a cafeteria-style luncheon. Some said they've come expect the enjoyment at the dinner. Some seniors said they were dependent on the meal as their only Thanksgiving dinner.

"Some of the seniors at our center don't have family, so this is a big celebration for them," said Jacquie Harrison, assistant director at the Evelyn Cole Senior Community Center in Seat Pleasant, who brought 43 seniors to the dinner. "They're happy. They love to eat. They love to socialize with different [senior] centers."

"I come out and I enjoy the festivities," said Carole Simms of Clinton, 62. "I like the fellowship. The food — it's always good."

Teens and young children also were on hand to help serve meals to the seniors. Some said they came for their schools' required community service hours, others said they just came for the experience.

Eight-year-old Breyana Burney of Clinton said she had been up since 8 a.m. helping prepare food for the dinner alongside her mother and grandmother and was already pulling a double shift from the night before, serving food at another dinner.

"I get to help [the community]," she said, smiling while taking a break from serving dinner.

Kyle King, 15, of Bryans Road, who attends school in Charles County, said he was completing community service hours required for his high school graduation.

"It's pretty nice — it's a good experience," he said. "I get a little bit of turkey but not much."

E-mail Joshua Garner at jgarner@gazette.net.