KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you thought cooking one turkey was trouble, try cooking hundreds.
Before cooking up a storm, you have to get the turkey, dressing, potatoes and other traditional fixings. The Salvation Army is doing the same as they prepare for their annual feast.
"One thousand meals will be boxed up and taken to homebound individuals and then 500 meals will be made here to be served," said Major David Harvey, Divisional Secretary for the Kansas and Western Division of The Salvation Army.
For years, Harvey had seen it first-hand. His mom and dad started the Salvation Army’s annual turkey dinner more than 30 years ago.
"I was a teenager, a senior in high school, and he volunteered me to help out," said Harvey.
Harvey was just one volunteer driving hundreds of Thanksgiving dinners to those in need around the metro area.
"What I didn't understand as a teen was the real needs that families go through," said Harvey.
Now, as an adult and having a better understanding of the need, he’s keeping his parents’ tradition alive.
With help from volunteers, 1,500 meals will be served this Thanksgiving Day. Harvey said the feeling of making a difference couldn't be better.
"Everyone will have a smile that they're accepted, they’re loved, they’re fed that day and that we have a lot to be thankful for," said Harvey.
The Salvation Army is still looking for volunteers.
"It takes an army to make this meal happen," said Harvey.
Drivers are needed to deliver the 1,000 meals to people who are homebound on the holiday. They’re also in need of donations to purchase the 3,000 pounds of food needed for the feast.
The dinner, which is open and free to the public, will be held at The Salvation Army Linwood Center, located at 101 W. Linwood in Kansas City, Missouri.
Also, this week if you’re out and about shopping, you might see the Salvation Army’s Red Kettles. The Red Kettle Drive kicks off Friday and goes through Christmas Eve.
Click here to volunteer. Click here to donate.
