Nov 27, 2008 5:31 pm US/Eastern
Thousands Served At 27th Annual Bea Gaddy Dinner
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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It's a Happy Thanksgiving for thousands as the 27th annual Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving Dinner was served Thursday.
It's a Happy Thanksgiving for thousands as the 27th annual Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving Dinner was served Thursday.
But as
Gigi Barnett reports, thanks to a slow economy, this year's need was great.
Outside the Patterson Park Recreation Center, frozen turkeys moved fast.
Inside, the hot dinner lines moved just as fast.
Thousands picked up a to-go plate of turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. Others took a seat to eat.
All of them were warmly welcomed at the 27th annual Bea Gaddy Thanksgiving Day Dinner.
"There's nothing but love here today. Everyone has come together. I've cried I don't know how many times today," said Sandra Briggs, dinner coordinator.
The dinner is a time for volunteers to give back.
"When I got here, there were 2,000 people in line. Anybody who can help, should help, and they should think beyond Thanksgiving," said former congressman Kweisi Mfume.
Last year, more than 45,000 people were fed at the dinner. This year that number will double to nearly 80,000. Organizers say it's because of the economy.
But in addition to a fresh, hot meal, folks at the event will also receive toiletries as well as canned goods to take with them when they leave.
Andre Clarke decided to volunteer this year.
"I'm away from home. I'm not with my family, and I felt like it was my time to give back. And with the way that the economy is right now, I said, this is my time to do it," said Clarke.
Local businesses and companies stepped in to help, but donations are needed year-round.
Liam Tunney's company gave 1,000 pounds of turkeys.
"The real help is throughout the year, so our company we're going to pledge to be there, but for the whole year," said Tunney.
That's cause for celebration and a reason to be grateful.
The dinner's organizers thought they wouldn't be able to have an event this year because of a recent fire, but they received enough donations to keep the tradition going.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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