As Thanksgiving approaches, many of Atmore’s senior citizens are busy preparing for the arrival of children and grandchildren during the busy holiday season.

Saturday night, a group of Atmore senior citizens got a chance to take a well-deserved break during the fourth annual Senior Appreciation Day.

Presented by Dr. Bernard Bishop Ministries, this year’s event was held at Deliverance Ministry of Jesus Christ and drew a crowd despite less than favorable weather.

Bishop said he was pleased with the turnout and enjoyed seeing some of Atmore’s senior citizens enjoying good food and good company.

“This year’s event was a great success,” Bishop said. “We were very pleased with how many people came out to enjoy the evening with us.”

Saturday’s event featured food and games, including Bible trivia, but Bishop said the highlight of the night turned out to be a “name that tune” game in which participants listened to songs from the 1960s and 1970s and tried to name the artist and title. Those answering first received cash prizes. Musical performances by The Visionaries and The UPC singers added more fun Saturday night.

Following the fun and fellowship, seniors at Saturday’s service enjoyed a big meal together, during which gift baskets and canned goods were distributed.

“A big thanks to all our covenant partners who donated to the cause,” Bishop said. “We had enough can goods and gift baskets for nearly 100 seniors.”

Bishop said it is through events like Senior Appreciation Day that the true meaning of the holidays can be seen.

“It was great to have about ten churches to come together with my wife and I to honor those who have paved the way for our success,” Bishop said. “That shows that even in the midst of tough times, when we all come together in unity there is nothing we can’t accomplish.”

Bishop said his ministry not only plans to continue Senior Appreciation Day, but will now be partnering with Empowerment Tabernacle and the Concerned Citizens of Atmore to serve the community through the Toys for Tots program.