[November 08, 2009] Hammin' it up Tweet Nov 07, 2009 (News-Topic - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- No one left the Sawmills Fire Department Saturday without a full belly or a grin on their face. People came from near and far to enjoy a hearty meal and a day of fellowship at the 20th annual Sawmills Ham Day. Nearly 1,200 pounds of ham were consumed during breakfast and lunch, and all of the money will go to help those who are less fortunate Proceeds from the 20th annual Ham Day will go toward the Christmas party the department provides for youth throughout the county and to pass out treats this holiday season to the elderly. Sawmills Fire Chief Brian Church said the money also is set aside to help with maintaining equipment and to help the community as it is needed. "We want to thank everyone for their tremendous support today," Church said. "We had planned for about 2,500 people, but I think we served about that many just at breakfast. It is so great to see these wonderful faces every year. We have some who have been with us all 20 years, and others who are attending their first event. "It is just a great feeling to interact with everyone while also having fun. So many times we see the community when they are at their worst, and this is our opportunity to invite them into our house to see what we do." Among those to feast upon ham and other breakfast delights was Ashley Crouse. He said he has been coming for as long as he can remember, and he is proud to see the way the event has grown. With family members at the department, he said he thinks it is important to show them support. But, he also said he enjoys catching up with those he hasn't seen in a long time. "I love coming to this event," said Crouse, who always attends the breakfast. "I have seen it get more crowded every year, and that is exciting. It's good food, great camaraderie and does a lot to benefit this wonderful community." Eleven-year-old Zack Abernethy donates his time each year to help serve the people. He said his primary responsibility is passing out drinks, but he will pretty much do whatever the department asks of him. Abernethy said he enjoys seeing everyone in the community and is already looking forward to next year. "I've been helping now for three years, and I really like it," Abernethy said. "I like helping everyone who stops by and seeing them have fun. It is a really good way for the community together." To see more of the News-Topic or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.newstopic.net/. Copyright (c) 2009, News-Topic, Lenoir, N.C. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]