GREENVILLE, S.C. — Thousands turned out for the 'Gratefull GVL' free community-wide holiday lunch on the downtown Main Street bridge after a five-year hiatus.

The pre-Thanksgiving feast was hosted on Monday, Nov. 25 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m, with over 100 businesses, restaurants, and organizations donating to the buffet.

Each table was filled with multi-colored stickers and conversation cards to help spark new friendships among guests.

Over 3,000 guests attended the very first 'Gratefull GVL' in 2019. The nation was stunned into isolation from the Covid-19 epidemic the following year.

Now nearly half a decade removed from the outbreak, the community feast has returned.

“Gratefull GVL is not a handout; it is a handshake. It is a way for us to connect to our friends, neighbors, and coworkers across all socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural segments,” the event webpage reads.

All extra funding will be donated to the Mill Village Ministries’ FoodShare Greenville program to help feed families all year long.