MILWAUKEE — Northcott Neighborhood House helped to distribute about 1,000 free meals to members of the community on Thanksgiving Day.
The meals were prepared by Chef Lisa Kaye and provided with help from Bader Philanthropies.
Trays of food, including chicken, stuffing, mac & cheese, gravy, cranberry sauce, green beans, and peach cobbler were given away to those less fortunate for free. Each meal is able to feed a family of four.
Preparations for the meal giveaway began weeks ago and volunteers arrived at the Northcott Neighborhood House as early as 7 a.m. on Thursday.
"I think it’s real good to wake up and help out the community. It's my first time. I was just in a good mood this morning and yesterday and I thought it would be good to come out here and give something," said Jaylen Grose, one of the volunteers.
The meals were given out first come, first serve and people began lining up as early as 8:00 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning.
"Some people are very unfortunate to where they can’t afford to make a thanksgiving meal," said volunteer Angelia Gatson. She handed bags full of food to thankful guests.
In addition to the meal giveaway happening on-site, meals were also shared with other community organizations, such as the United Methodist Children's Services in the Washington Park neighborhood, who picked up 100 meals to distribute meals to families.
"Thanksgiving may look at little bit different for most people but, I think the opportunity just to bring a little bit of light and help people gather and have that happiness of enjoying a nice meal together is important to everybody," said Bill Schmitt, Executive Director of United Methodist Children’s Services.
Other meals were also personally delivered to senior citizens.
Executive Director of Northcott Neighborhood House, Tony Kearney, said the non-profit normally gives away hundreds of Turkeys and Hams for Thanksgiving. They did that, too. But, he says the need for help is greater this year because of the pandemic.
"We're doing what we have to do. We have to serve this community, its ours," said Kearney.
