Charity gives away Thanksgiving turkeys

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) --  Thanksgiving is Thursday and thanks to one local organization dozens of families in need will be able to put dinner on the table.

News 8's Ali Reed was there as the Bridgeport-based charity passed out turkeys to folks who were very grateful for the help.

Year after year, folks in Bridgeport line up to receive a Thanksgiving meal from the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. This year is no different, except for the fact that the lines are longer, with more people needing assistance.

"It helps community out a great deal," said Edwina Fersner. "A lot of people in need."

Everybody gets to take home a warm jacket for each family member, along with a turkey and all the fixings.

"We have about 15,000 coats, 3,000 turkeys, giveaway," said Terry Wilcox, Exec. Director of the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, "as well as all the canned goods that go with that."

Each person lines up for a different reason.

"I do it for my grandkids," said Michelle McRae.

"It feels good, makes me feel like I did my job as a mom" said Jeanette Villarnovo, "you know, I got to look out for my kids, they're mine."

"If you didn't have this help what would your Thanksgiving look like," asked News 8's Ali Reed.

"I don't know, probably standing on corners with a bucket trying to scrape up money, I don't know," said McRae. "It's hard and the economy is so bad and the grocery stores just lost a lot as well, so it was a really hard thing."