The Men's Club of Jones Memorial United Methodist Church will serve up its 34th annual barbecue Saturday in the church fellowship hall.

Although the men are in charge of this long-standing fundraiser, it's truly a team effort, according to organizers.

"The barbecue sauce (was) made during the week before the event, and on Thursday night the women of our church (met) to make homemade coleslaw, baked beans, tea and more barbecue sauce in our church kitchen," said communications coordinator Shirley Baugh.

"Our youth go out and sell tickets and deliver to local businesses in East Ridge on Saturday morning. Everyone in the church gets involved, and we couldn't do it without everyone's help."

The first of the meat goes on the grill today, and serving begins at 10 a.m. Saturday. The cooks expect to have enough barbecue to last until 6 p.m. Guests may opt to dine in or carry out.

"In the beginning the men cooked about 500 pounds of meat, and this year they will serve close to 5,000 pounds of meat," Baugh said. "We use Tom Martin's original barbecue sauce recipe."

Martin organized the first barbecue 34 years ago, and the event is dedicated to his memory.

The funds raised by the barbecue are used to purchase coats for needy children in East Ridge schools. Money also goes to youth camps, youth assemblies and other church and community projects.

Over the past 19 years, Baugh said, 1,500 coats have been purchased for children in need, totaling $40,200.

"The principals of the East Ridge schools help us by letting us know how many coats are needed and the sizes. We deliver them back to the school (with a small New Testament in the pocket of each), and the principals distribute them. We have received many touching notes from needy children over the years thanking us for their coat," she said.

Jones Memorial is at 4131 Ringgold Road in East Ridge. For more information, call 624-6073 or visit www.jmumc.org.

ON THE MENU

Chicken, beef or pork plates... $7

Extra-large pork or beef sandwiches... $4

Bulk barbecue... $8 per p