While the COVID-19 virus may have thrown the community a curveball, there are many who are stepping up to the plate to help one another.

Thursday at 2 p.m. The Gumbo Pot will be giving back by giving away free hot dogs to anyone who drives up.

“We have some friends who forwarded us a little bit of money just to help us out through these tough times,” Gumbo Pot owner Perry Boyd said.

And, in response to the generosity of Jimbo and Jennifer Lusby, Boyd and his wife, Donna, decided they wanted to “pay it forward” by giving away hot dogs.

Boyd said this was also a way he and his wife could show their appreciation to those in the community who have supported them during the economic slowdown brought about by the worldwide pandemic.

“We want this to be a positive thing for the community, something to give people a little bit of encouragement and to brighten their day since everybody is having to stay at home,” he said.

And because this time of year would have been the start of the baseball season, Boyd said, they thought serving hot dogs was fitting.

“What’s the best thing you get at a ballpark – hotdogs,” Boyd said. “We want to give people a little something they are used to, but not able to do.”

Boyd said he is not sure how many hot dogs they will give away, but plans are to have 1,000 ready to go.

In keeping with social distancing, Boyd said they would be set up in their catering trailer, which will be parked near the restaurant, 3401 Halls Ferry Road No. 5.

“They can just drive through, and we will hand them the hot dog. Nobody has to get out,” he said.

Hot dogs without condiments and a bag of chips will be given out until they run out, Boyd said, estimating that could be around 4 p.m.