WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — A Thanksgiving meal can sometimes be the tur-key to people's hearts.
That's why a free meal can mean a lot to people in need. That's where Hope Church and Feed the City stepped in.
Feed the City officials said volunteers distributed nearly 1500 bags of food. Each car received a free turkey and side items.
Masiah Moodie was one of many people to attend the drive-thru event. He said not everyone's financial circumstances and schedule allow them to afford their Thanksgiving dishes, so he's appreciative of free food drives.
"A lot of people out here work, we're doing overtime, " he said. "A lot of people can't even find a job and they're giving out turkeys for free."
Some folks will travel miles to share a special meal with their family. Members of Hope Church work to make the holiday dinner experience more accessible with their annual Feed the City program.
Monica Goodwyn said she looks forward to her church's Thanksgiving community service imitative. She added that she's committed to her volunteer role since 2006.
"We got here about 6:45 this morning and people were here early and I think that they actually traveled from other areas," Goodwyn said. "So we actually have people that maybe come from Unadilla, Perry, maybe we have people from Cochran area."
According to a recent Georgia Budget and Policy Institute Poll, 48% of Georgians said they worry about affording food costs. Goodwyn said her group likes to encourage families to come out.
"We want to engage with them," Goodwyn said. "We don't want anyone to feel like they're embarrassed about it because that could be us one day. You just never know; anyone can be in that type of situation."
One of her church sisters, Lorena Moralez, said she began volunteering with the church in third grade and enjoys seeing those younger than her do the same.
"It's been amazing to see the impact and the growth that comes from this event for over decades of years," Moralez said. "Seeing other kids being here with their parents."
Moody said it's an opportunity that brings the community together.
"I love seeing everybody come together so many different people, so much different energy and I'm honestly just blessed and I just can't wait to cook my turkey at home with my family," Moody said.
