The traditional view of a Thanksgiving table filled with good things to eat is changing.

Today’s reality is that jobs are in short supply and budgets are stretched so that not everyone is guaranteed a big turkey or ham with all the trimmings.

This is one of the reasons Floreace Stocks has determined she will continue to help others by offering a free Thanksgiving dinner from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19.

The event is scheduled at American Legion Post 12, Rockmart.

Stocks, employed by Meggitt in Rockmart, became interested in community service while working at Tallatoona in 2003.

She took an idea to her church — Shiloh Baptist in Bartow County. She asked members to locate a family she could help.

They responded and the first year she fed a family of 5. Then, she served Thanksgiving dinner to a family who had lost everything in a fire and later one that had been devastated by illness.

In 2010, she said God told her to expand her service and she wanted to help those with deserving children.

“I wanted to do more this year, so I am stepping out on faith and believe He will help me achieve my mission,” Floreace said.

She has even made out a special menu that would include turkey and dressing, green beans, macaroni and cheese, creamed potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls, dessert and Cokes.

To assist with cooking and serving, she has solicited the help of her family and other volunteers. This list includes her husband Kevin, daughters Kenlasha and Kaisha Stocks, mother Mary Wearer, Lottie Wearer, Diane Wearer, Louise Murphy, Cindy Lee, Chanell Hood, Tasha Kent, Mike and Carol Daniel.

“We plan to begin cooking on Sunday, Nov. 13,” Stocks said. “We have a lot to do but it is a joy for me. Last year we fed more than 50 people. It may be more this Thanksgiving.”

Volunteers will be wearing green, white and black shirts with the words “Hold On . . . A Change Is Coming.”

People interested in helping with this project, donate or seek more information are asked to call Floreace at 678-988-5761.