TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - Thousands of people received a free Thanksgiving meal Wednesday at the Gospel Rescue Mission's annual banquet.
In its 27th year, the mission prepared enough food to serve 3,000 people. That included 2,500 pounds of turkey and 650 pounds of mashed potatoes.
The mission ended up serving a total of 2,400 meals.
"Many people off the streets, this is their first opportunity to really see who Gospel Rescue Mission is," said Pastor Scott Munro.
About 350 volunteers helped set up and prepare the food. Congresswoman Martha McSally volunteered and helped to refill drinks during the banquet.
The Gospel Rescue Mission holds its banquet the day before Thanksgiving to allow people to receive more than one meal this week.
"When you see people that normally other people are shying away from them, they don't want anything to do with them, they come here they can relax they can feel like there are people around that really do care and you know that's huge," said Munro.
The Salvation Army will serve its meal Thursday at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1145 E. Ft. Lowell Rd from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
