Everyone?s in a giving mood on Thanksgiving, said Luther James.
Driving a mobile kitchen with a brigade of Salvation Army volunteers Thursday, he made quick stops at the Hispanic district on Broadway, the projects on Gough Street and the homeless tent camp next to St. Vincent de Paul Church on Front Street.
Surprisingly few people took his Styrofoam trays loaded with warm turkey and gravy, fresh rolls, green beans and creamy macaroni and cheese.
That?s because other charitable organizations have made the rounds, he said, and more will come later.
But often forgotten are people who are homeless hovering in bus shelters and alcoves ? the city?s most destitute who have no transportation to get to centralized handouts.
“We?re making an effort to find the ones who can?t get out somewhere,” said Army Capt. Herb Frazier. “Some will not leave their location for fear of losing it. I?ve had to get out of the truck and walk a meal across the street.”
Frazier and James drove slowly down streets, occasionally calling out to homeless people sitting on abandoned stoops or just meandering down deserted sidewalks, asking if they?re hungry. Some dug in immediately.
In some neighborhood projects wherehe visits often, James honked the horn of his truck as barefoot, coatless children scrambled to his window, grinning like he was an ice cream man.
Earlier Thursday morning, volunteers assembled 400 plates of food with 30 13-pound turkeys, 55 pounds each of macaroni and cheese and stuffing and 25 sweet potato pies. They also packed grocery bags with sodas and snacks for later.
But Army volunteers said the project gives them as much joy as it gives its beneficiaries. One said she searched Google under “Thanksgiving,” “volunteer” and “Baltimore” and stumbled on the Army?s holiday project.
Belinda Johnson, a member of the Salvation Army, said the project replaces her own personal celebrations.
“This is where I get my peace and joy,” Johnson said. “When I get done here, I?ll take a couple trays home, sit down in front of the TV and say ?Thank God.? ”
