MARIETTA - Tomeca Kellogg grew up hearing about the long-running Hosea Feed the Hungry & Homeless program, which feeds those in need in the city of Atlanta on Thanksgiving Day.

However, the Marietta native and director of Marietta Feed the Hungry Inc., decided that she wanted to lead an effort to help those in need in her hometown. Thus, the inaugural Thanksgiving dinner by the newly formed Marietta Feed the Hungry organization began on Thursday.

The nonprofit collaborated with members of American Legion Post 296 on West Atlanta Street near the intersection of South Cobb Drive in Marietta to feed hungry veterans and other members of the community from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday. Three hundred people were expected to be served by 24 volunteers.

"I'd always wanted to participate in Hosea Feed the Hungry, but that's not my community," said Kellog, 36. "This is my community; this is where I grew up. I wanted to give something back to the people that I see everyday."

Kellogg said she has many family members who are veterans and wanted to give back to those who have sacrificed for their country.

"I work in the legal profession and I see a lot of veterans come back from the war - I don't want to say they're not being taken care of properly, but I feel like there's something I can offer to them," she said.

Edwin Wilson of Austell, a retired Army veteran and Post 296 member, said too many veterans have been forgotten.

"It takes a person like Tomeca in the community, as well as us at the American Legion, to make sure those veterans are not left behind in any shape or form," said Wilson, 45.

The menu included turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, corn, macaroni and cheese, green beans, peas and carrots, bread rolls, cookies, and a variety of beverages.

Marietta resident David Dukes was among the first to take advantage of the generosity of both organizations, after receiving a handout about the event. Dukes said he has a disability and lives on a fixed-income.

"I've very thankful and blessed to still be here," said Dukes, 59.

Kellogg said 100 meals were also delivered to seniors who live in senior communities on Aviation Drive, Victory Drive, Lemon Street and Henderson Street in Marietta.

David Miller, 40, of Lawrenceville, an Army veteran, said he decided to volunteer because he enjoys helping people.

"You never know, you could be less fortunate one day," said Miller.