Hundreds receive free holiday meal

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - They came by the hundreds. Some lined up as early as 4 a.m. to get a free Thanksgiving Day meal.

"I got some turkey, I got pumpkin pie, and I got some canned goods, some vegetables," said meal recipient Esther Griffin.

"Some stuffing and corn and gravy and all that stuff," said meal recipient Thalitha Leon.

A total of 1,500 people showed up at St. Ann's Soup Kitchen Monday for the Fourth Annual Holiday Handout. While hundreds received the free meals, many more will benefit.

"It's going to feed probably 10 people," said Leon.

St. Ann's Soup Kitchen manager Cheryl Rayburn said each family received a turkey, pie of choice, two cans of vegetables and other Thanksgiving day treats.

Rayburn said due to their budget, they can only serve 1,500 people and this year, that meant turning some families away.

"I'm hoping that in the future, we may be able to increase on that," said Rayburn. "I really feel that next year, there's going to be a lot more in need due to the economy."
    
Rayburn said they spent about $15,000 putting together the meals, and said if you'd like to help with the cost, they're always accepting donations.

"Either a ham or a turkey, because we give the people a choice," said Rayburn. "Of course, we need boxed instant potatoes, baked beans, canned fruit and vegetables."

Your donations will be put toward the next Holiday Handout, which is scheduled for Dec. 17. Rayburn said that handout will begin at 8 a.m. and last until 2 p.m. or whenever the food runs out.

She said your donations will allow families in our community to worry less about what's on the table, and more about who's sitting around it.