PHOENIX — It's a long-time tradition in the Valley.
Every year, St. Vincent De Paul provides thousands of meals to those who have nowhere to go on Thanksgiving.
In Phoenix, about 700 people were served a hot meal all while enjoying the company of others and live music.
“A perfect Thanksgiving," said Carrie Schultz, one of the hundreds of people served. "I was in line crying.”
As much as this was about providing meals, it was also about making people feel welcome. That's exactly how Gerard Lee felt.
“Just friendship and warmness for the holidays," Lee said. "It makes the holidays feel more like the holidays.”
Jessica Berg, the chief program officer with St. Vincent De Paul, said this wouldn't be possible without all the donations that were given and all those who volunteered.
“What we see today and what we feel is the whole community coming together,” Berg said.
One of those volunteers is Eddie Valenzuela. He knows exactly what those walking in through the doors have gone through, having lived on the streets himself.
“I can relate to them and now that I am getting my life together it’s good to give back I like to give back,” Valenzuela said.
Seeing the smiles on so many faces makes all the hard work worth it to put this event together. Former NFL star Nick Lowery said that's his favorite part about this day. Lowery said he has worked with St. Vincent De Paul and brought his event Champions For The Homeless to the Valley for the past 17 years.
“We see them, we embrace them, we are their family on Thanksgiving,” Lowery said.
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