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An Atmore couple will be holding a lunch for first responders on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 26, at St. Bellarmine Catholic Church’s Boland Hall.

Randy and Melissa Nichols, along with their daughter, Walton, and family friends, came up with the idea recently because they wanted to say thank you to the community for its support one year after tragedy struck the family.

Last Thanksgiving, the Nichols’ son, Gordon, passed away in a single-vehicle incident.

Ever since that fateful day, members of the community have reached out, offering their support and love.

“We would like to feed Atmore’s first responders for all they have done for us relating to Gordon’s tragedy as well for all of the other unselfish acts they do on a daily basis for our entire community,” Randy said. “We want to do this in memory of Gordon.”

Randy said this may turn into a big event, but for now, we just want this to serve as a big thank you to the community.

“This is how we wish to spend our Thanksgiving Day,” he said.

Melissa said she hopes Gordon’s Giving will grow each year, and because “of this wonderful community, his light will forever shine.”

Melissa added that this event has grown since its inception.

Ronnie and Jessica Cloud, former owners of the Alabama Wing House, a restaurant Gordon loved, will be feeding first responders in Poarch, Melissa said.

Melissa said once the Clouds are finished in Poarch, they’ll  join the effort at St. Robert’s.