(NECN: Kristen Carosa) - More than 150 people in Worcester, Mass. went home Wednesday with a free Thanksgiving meal.
“A lot of people don't have family to go to - no food - especially with the economy a lot of people need help,” says Nathaniel Bowens.
And the South Worcester neighborhood center is there to give help to those who need it. Dozens lined Camp Street waiting for their donation.
“A lot of people are hungry - a lot of people don't have anything to eat – it’s sad,” said Cindy Desrosiers.
“These are working people making minimum wage - they aren't able to make ends meet because what they get paid is so low,” says Julie King.
Paula Withers was among those in line. She says with seven children putting food on the table isn't easy.
“This month they cut my snap benefits too - I was cut $50 - this is helping replace what I lost.”
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Everyone in line received a turkey, vegetables and potatoes: all that you would need for a holiday meal.
“Everything you see has been donated from some company - some store - everyone has come together to provide this for our clients,” King says.
This is the 39th year the neighborhood center has been able to do this for the Worcester community. It’s something that again this year put a smile on people's faces.
“Everyone in line is happy - they can go and enjoy a couple of meals for Thanksgiving,” Bowens says.
And while staff is pleased to be able to provide this to the community for the Thanksgiving holiday, they say they are always in need of donations.
“It’s great that we can do this for people today but all we need to realize that hunger is a 365 day a year problem in this country.”
