NATCHEZ — A few turkeys were left over from Thanksgiving Friday night at Rivergate Bowling Lanes in Natchez, but even more important was the amount of cans.

For the second year in a row, the Natchez High School Alumni Association hosted its Feed the Needy bowling competition, and Bulldogs of all ages gathered to enjoy bowling and reconnect with old friends.

“It’s great to see old friends come back,” Class of 1994 alum Shelia Sewell said. “It’s very important to help people who don’t have enough. A lot of us got help when we were younger. I know I did.

Natchez doesn’t have a lot of activities, but what is here we take advantage of, and it’s good to come together as a community. It’s like a reunion.”

Sewell’s son Theo, 10, was participating on his mother’s team Friday night, and he said he was doing pretty well for his mother’s team.

“(Bowling) is just fun,” he said. “Sometimes I like to just jump, and I will fall, but I can still get a strike.”

Shelia takes her son bowling often, she said, but Friday night’s trip was special.

“It’s great to bring him and show him how important it is to support those less fortunate, even when you are young,” she said.

More than 900 cans were donated Friday night, and event director Corey Isaac said those cans would be distributed to churches in the area that would then give them to people in need.

“I’m pleased so many people have supported the cause,” Isaac said. “I just want to thank everyone for coming out, because without them this wouldn’t be a success.”

Last year the event drew approximately 150 bowlers, and this year Isaac said they had more than 200 register.

But not everyone had to hit the lanes to show their support. Dallas-resident Robert Terrell, came back home to Natchez and was a spectator for the event.

“It’s great coming back, and I wanted to see old friends and classmates,” Terrell said. “It’s great to get everybody together and come hot for a good cause.”

The team led by Joe Willis, and the team led by Delvie Gales finished first and second.