On Thursday, hundreds will gather before a Thanksgiving bounty of turkey, dressing and homemade baked goods at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Coconut Grove.

They will be wrapped in a warmth of sharing an American tradition of giving thanks.

And while the nation -- and Miami-Dade -- struggles economically, it is still strong with people sharing.

Indeed, many groups and people have given more than in past years -- despite their own belt-tightening -- so even the neediest can enjoy Thanksgiving.

``I think a lot more people are coming together as a community,'' said Veronica Solorzano who has fielded more calls offering to help out this year, from volunteering to serve to donating food. ``It's just been wonderful to see people share.''

Take the Coconut Grove Rotary Club.

``We usually give $500 to the church for this event,'' said the Rotary Club's chairman, Stephen Carter, ``but this year we doubled it. We want this to be a true celebration for the whole community.''

Others are helping to bring Thanksgiving to the poor.

On Tuesday, the Alonzo Mourning Charities planned a caravan to deliver 523 turkey dinners.

Meanwhile South Miami Mayor Horace Feliu gave out food as part of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities' third annual Turkey Drive.

And teaming up with stadium contractors Hunt/Moss, the Florida Marlins Community Foundation distributed turkeys and staples to ensure 460 struggling families in Little Havana would enjoy the holiday.

Florida City-based Farm Share, that distributes fresh produce and other foods to the poor, steered the Marlins foundation toward Little Havana families who most needed a Thanksgiving bounty.

The Marlins consider sharing important to being good neighbors.

The baseball team will play in the Little Havana stadium being built where the Orange Bowl once was.

``I love this time of the year. It's my favorite holiday,'' added Nancy Olson, executive director for the Florida Marlins Community Foundation.

On Wednesday, Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff and the Coconut Grove NET Office planned to deliver Thanksgiving meals and other supplies to 50 residents in severe need. Community leaders such as Milam's Market and Carrollton School helped out.

``It means a lot to me to be able to contribute,'' Sarnoff said, adding that ``we are hand delivering meals to people who would otherwise fall through the cracks. We worked very hard with our NET office to identify homebound people in our community who would not be able to stand in line or travel to another location to receive assistance.''

George Washington Carver Elementary School in Coral Gables also collected food.

Now companies are planning events around philanthropy.

BJ's Wholesale Club in Cutler Bay, for example, recently helped celebrate its 25th anniversary with a food drive to benefit the Daily Bread Food Bank.

It's especially needed now, said the Rev. Juan Carlos Paguaga, pastor of St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Little Havana.

``I have never seen such need before,'' he said.

Thankfully, Paguaga added, wealthier parishes and the Anthony R. Abraham Foundation helped contribute enough for St. John Bosco to give more than 600 turkeys and $15 Winn-Dixie gift cards to struggling families.

``United as a parish community we come together to help those around us who are facing challenging times so that they too can enjoy a family dinner on Thanksgiving,'' Paguaga said.

Wealthier parishes may not see as much need but they rushed to help, he added.

Little Flower Catholic Church in Coral Gables, St. Agnes Catholic Church in Key Biscayne, members of the Order of Malta, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, Knights of Columbus of Coral Gables and other groups helped to make the food distribution possible, he said.

In Coconut Grove, St. Stephen's is expecting a big crowd to show up for its annual Thanksgiving dinner after its 10 a.m. service.

Hundreds will enjoy traditional fare of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, rolls, drinks and homemade baked goods prepared by parishioners and the community.

It will be in the church's Great Hall behind the church on McFarlane Road.

St. Stephen's Solorzano welcomes all to the free feast.

And she does expect a big turnout. Judging from all the calls she said she has gotten, ``I think there are a lot more people looking for places because they can't afford to buy a turkey.''