'Twas a Thanksgiving feast for the masses
Reporter: Kevin Keen
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - ‘Twas a Thanksgiving feast for the masses with turkey by the ton and pumpkin pies a plenty. There was enough gobbley goodness for 3,400 people to have their fill at the annual Salvation Army Turkey Day lunch.
It's “for those who are homeless, those with low income, families, individuals and also those who are going to find themselves alone for Thanksgiving,” said Salvation Army Major Edward Markham.
9 On Your Side reporter Kevin Keen asked diner Shirley Davis, “If you didn't have this meal, would you have a Thanksgiving meal at home?” “No,” she answered. “I would have a can of tuna. I wouldn't have a Thanksgiving meal.”
Davis came with friends, ready for the yearly feast at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Tucson.
A car crash a decade ago changed her life.
“Life has been really rough because I'm in a wheelchair,” she said. “I'm thankful just to be here because there a lot of people who aren't. I have a lot of friends who died of cancer,” Davis later said.
Gloria Damian came with family.
“I'm temporarily out of work,” she told 9 On Your Side. “I just thought it was a nice time to receive. I didn't have to cook a meal. I get to come, sit here and enjoy a nice warm meal with my family. I think it's really special.”
A special time during one of life's rough patches, eased with food, family and fun.
“I'm thankful for my family,” Damian said. “I'm thankful for a wonderful country where people care about each other.”
In the days leading up to this meal, organizers were short dozens of turkeys. They put out the call for help -- and donors ultimately brought in 2,500 birds. That's 500 more than last year.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.