Decent clothes, tasty food and a spirit of community keep hundreds of homeless returning to one great Thanksgiving meal organized by local students.
“This is one of the best Thanksgivings I go to,” said Tony Clark, who lined up early at the Booker T. Washington Middle School to enjoy his food in the school?s cafeteria.
“The service is very friendly … nice clothes and good food.”
The University of Maryland?s School of Medicine held its 18th annual Project Feast on Thursday, which provides Thanksgiving dinner to the homeless.
Not only did everyone receive a full-course meal, they also had the opportunity to pick up shoes, toiletry bags, first-aid kits and clothes.
Funding for all the donations was provided through several organizations at the University of Maryland, Baltimore campus.
“It?s just a great thing to do as a community. We just wish we could do this more often,” said Sarah Bui, a second-year medical student and one of the organizers of Project Feast.
Students publicized the effort by calling all the local homeless shelters in advance, said Lindsay Appel, a first-year medical student.
“To all the college kids, keep on doing what you?re doing,” said Kevin Johnson, who is homeless.
At least 150 volunteers, including church members, students, doctors and families, pitched in to feed around 400 people. Food was served between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Any leftovers are usually sent to food pantries and shelters, Bui said.
“It?s been a lot of work, but it?s totally worth it,” she said.
Organizers said they expected to serve nearly a half ton of turkey along with corn, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, dinner rolls, pies and punch.
“I do it because it?s not going to hurt to give one day up to someone who?s less fortunate,” said cafeteria manager Sheila Travers.
“You know for one day you?re getting somebody a decent meal.”
