By Thea Jarvis

What would Thanksgiving be without some friends to share the holiday?

Billed as a "family celebration," no doubt the only American holiday still off limits to audacious admen and money-minded merchants, Thanksgiving for many hard-pressed individuals is doubly painful because there seems little for which to be thankful.

For the third year in a row, St. Vincent de Paul's district council and St. Anthony's Church in southwest Atlanta is dealing head-on with this issue. Holiday loneliness and isolation will be diminished for those who participate in the traditional feast offered in St. Anthony's church hall on Thanksgiving Day. The celebration begins with Mass at 10 a.m. Dinner will be served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Last year, 250 people were served. This year, even more are expected. Betti Knott, executive secretary of the St. Vincent de Paul Society in Atlanta, indicated that, as in times past, the St. Anthony's van will be transporting folks, especially the elderly and needy, who are unable to get to St. Anthony's on their own.

Word of mouth carries the news of the festive meal, Mrs. Knott said, and added that those who share Saturday luncheon at St. Francis Table downtown have also been invited.

St. Anthony's parishioner Frances Hines, who initiated the Thanksgiving program in 1980, is responsible for preparing the mounds of food for the oversized crowds. She is looking for generous hands to help with food preparation the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving, as well as open hearts to help bear the burden of financing the feast.

The "wish list" for St. Anthony's menu follows. Those who can contribute a portion of the foodstuffs or a monetary donation for their purchase, are encouraged to call the downtown St. Vincent de Paul headquarters (404-753-3600). Volunteers to cook and/or serve the Thanksgiving meal may call St. Anthony's (404-758-8861) for information and instructions.