D.C. residents pile plates high, get flu shots at Thanksgiving feast

Thanksgiving came early at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. It came differently, too, with tests for diabetes and free clothing and flu shots and buffets staffed by public high school football players.

About 5,000 D.C. residents in need gathered Wednesday, about 10 to a round table, for a free Thanksgiving meal — the “Safeway Feast of Sharing,” put on by the grocery chain since 2000.