Volunteers Serve The Needy Thanksgiving Dinner At Philadelphia YMCA
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The National Temple Baptist Church in North Philadelphia teamed up with members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated for their 15th annual Thanksgiving Day of Service.
It was standing room only at the YMCA at Broad and Master Streets. Nearly 200 people stood in line for more than an hour to get a homemade dinner, donated clothes and toiletry gift bags at the Arms of Alpha Thanksgiving Day of Service. Tyron Vereen is one of the organizers of the event. He said it takes a village to do it.
"We've had more than 70 volunteers come out today to support, to donate turkeys, provide clothing, toiletries and just to engage our patrons. We have volunteers that are helping to serve the food, busing tables, providing extra drinks and beverages," Vereen explained.
The menu included, turkey, ham, mac 'n cheese, collard greens, pies--you name it. Malik Gray helped cook the food and says he didn't think twice about volunteering on Thanksgiving Day.
"People who are in need are no different than us. We all are one paycheck from being in their same shoes."
Lenora stays at a nearby shelter, and says she enjoyed the kind volunteers.
"I got some boots, I got some toiletries. They were so sweet."
And did she get some food?
"Yes! I got everything. I got cake and I got pie, and I got a lot of love and a lot of respect. I feel like a queen!"
Reported by Cherri Gregg, KYW Newsradio
