The 10th annual Thanksgiving Harvest Feast for 900 guests Tuesday at the Washington Park & Community Center in Hollywood meant different things to different people.

For more than 100 children from four local early childhood learning centers, it meant turkey meatballs that fit perfectly in mashed potato valleys -- and plenty of cake.

For Willie Edwards, who is unemployed and disabled, the midday meal was much-needed nourishment and a chance to connect with others. Edwards, who is on the verge of homelessness, said he was invited to the meal when he reached out to community leaders for help just a few days earlier.

``And here I am today with so many people who care about each other that I feel like I'm with family,'' Edwards said. ``It's time for me to get involved not just to help myself but to help others.''

For Blanca Muchado, 88, originally from Peru, the early dinner marked her first Thanksgiving celebration and the start of a new tradition. She was sworn in as an American citizen on Monday, less than 24 hours earlier.

``Everything is beautiful today. I'm thankful to God to be part of a blessed and marvelous country and I am thankful for turkey,'' Muchado said.

In the kitchen, 40 volunteers -- all students and staff of Johnson & Wales University in North Miami -- heated, cut and dished out 25 turkeys, 18 pans of stuffing, 35 pans of corn bread, 30 pounds of mashed potatoes and 20 pots of collard greens.

Another platoon of 40 helpers -- led by the Washington Park Homeowners Association, under the direction of the event founder and the group's president, Nadine McCrea -- went table-to-table making sure that everyone was well-fed.

Cranberry sauce, sweet potato pie and several coconut and red velvet cakes topped off the dinner.

GROUP EFFORT

McCrea said about 30 civic groups, businesses and city department heads contributed to the effort in services, food and cash. All of the turkeys were donated by the Kiwanis Club of West Hollywood, then cooked by Chef Paul Vitrillo of the McFatter Technical Center in Davie.

Several representatives from other Hollywood homeowners' groups turned out to help, as well.

``It's just like it is in any family,'' McCrea said. ``You get a little bit of this, a little bit of that, toss in lots of love and care, and you have a successful community event.''

Celebrity servers included Hollywood Mayor Peter Bober, Commissioner Linda Sherwood and City Manager Cameron Benson. Police Chief Chad Wagner and Assistant Chief Louie Granteed, as well as several county and state officials popped in to connect with the community.

About 30 people, all English-language students of Hollywood-based Hispanic Unity, came dressed as pilgrims and Native Americans, then staged a skit retelling the tale of the first Thanksgiving meal.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON

Danny Smicker, a Washington Park resident, said he showed up for the third year to celebrate the season with neighbors. The 49-year-old stagehand at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts is barely working because of budget cuts in the arts, but is thankful that he is still able to make ends meet.

The Rev. James Franklin of the Nationwide Holiness Church of Brotherly Love, seated opposite his wife, the Rev. Ruby Franklin, called the gathering ``a gorgeous display of love.''

``We preach to people all the time to love each other. But this, this today is love in action,'' James Franklin said. ``This is the living word.''