Lexington organizations provide Thanksgiving meals to community

LEXINGTON, Ky (WTVQ)- On this Thankgiving Day, organizations in Lexington are opening their doors to the community to serve hundreds of meals.

“We are so grateful that these men and women, children are enjoying a warm meal,” says Maj. Asit George, the Area Coordinator for the Lexington Salvation Army.

For the 36th year in a row, the Salvation Army held its Thanksgiving Day event, serving more than 600 meals both in take out boxes and in-person.

“It means a lot because here is a person who could have stayed in their home. They could have had a lonely thanksgiving, but instead they come, they’re having a good meal. It’s companionship. Opportunity to talk,” says George.

Volunteers spent their Thanksgiving Day to help serve, including the University of Kentucky basketball team. Players passed out plates of food, signed autographs and took lots of pictures.

“It’s Thanksgiving. That’s part of it is being together with your family. This is our family away from our family. So to be here and do this grows our bond stronger, and then to put some smiles on people’s faces even if it may be just for a short amount of time, it’s great for us,” says UK Forward Tre Mitchell.

“It means a lot to be able to come out and give back to the community. And just be here as a team and help everyone out on Thanksgiving is meaningful,” says UK Forward Brennan Canada.

Not far away, The Hope Center served meals to the area’s homeless population.

“We feed those in need 365 days a year. But Thanksgiving is extra special. And actually all our meals today for lunch have been donated by bluegrass hospitality group which is just a huge blessing to us and to our staff and volunteers,” says Katie Vogel, the Director of Development for the Hope Center.

Vogel says she had to recruit volunteers last minute after the UK volleyball team won their latest match and couldn’t make it in time. She says people filled the need quickly.

“They filled every shift we have. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner today. And we had people several people reach out asking if they could come help, and we already had enough hands on deck,” says Vogel.

The Catholic Action Center hosted its 28th annual Faith and Community Thanksgiving Day meal as a drive-thru celebration. The meals were made possible through the CAC, volunteers, and the local Knights of Columbus.