International students, scholars and families are invited to a Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 16 at First Baptist Church in Columbia, compliments of International Friendship Ministries.

The dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Ellis Banquet Hall at the church, 1300 Washington St. Guests will be served the traditional holiday meal and learn about Thanksgiving traditions and history.

“We would like international students and their families to celebrate American Thanksgiving with a traditional Thanksgiving meal and program hosted by First Baptist Church of Columbia,” said Dr. Raj Aluri, founder of the International Friendship Ministries, which has sponsored this annual Thanksgiving event for internationals for more than 30 years.

About 300 students are expected to attend this year’s event, which will include live music, activities and games before the meal.

Free transportation will be provided. The pick-up schedule is as follows:

• The Lofts- 6:05 pm
• Cliff Apartments- 6:10 pm 
• Benedict College (OIP): 6:15 p.m.
• Whaley at Pickens- 6:15 pm
• IFM Office- 6:20 pm
• Sumter (by USC Horseshoe)- 6:25 pm