WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — Today in DC, Hundreds of volunteers helped prepare Thanksgiving meals to those in need. At DC's Edlavitch Jewish Community Center, 750 volunteers worked in shifts over two days to make sure everyone is fed this Thanksgiving, preparing 13,000 servings of sides like green beans, yams and stuffing.
“This is one of the great things, one of the highlights of the year," said Ben Wacks, a volunteer.
“Volunteers are making all of our side dishes for the Thanksgiving meal that we’re going to serve to the community at DC Central Kitchen," said Hannah Brenner with DC Central Kitchen. It's the organization that’s hosted the “Everything but the Turkey” event for 28 straight years.
“It’s really wonderful to see people here and people want to be here and they’re happy to be here supporting," said Brenner. "This is the kind of work we do every single day 365 days a year at DC Central Kitchen.”
A rewarding cap on the weekend ahead of a busy holiday week.
“It’s just really nice," said volunteer Abigail Fisch. "We’re making friends, making food and then we feel good at the end of the day.”
“I just feel very grateful to be with people who are like-minded and want to really spread the wealth and share love and gratitude with everyone else," said volunteer Zaria Nabinett.
The sides prepared this weekend head back to DC Central Kitchen where they get paired with thousands of holiday meals that go to shelters, transitional homes and community centers on Thanksgiving Day.
“I think it’s something we should keep doing, not just on Thanksgiving and not just on the holidays but doing it constantly," said Wacks. "I think it’s always a good reminder for the values of helping repair the world.”