An annual tradition of giving in Dorchester is underway again. And this year, there's no shortage of people in need.
The United Way and Catholic Charities of Boston distribute thousands of turkeys and a ton of other food to the community every year.
Michael Durkin, the president of United Way, says they're serving all of the Thanksgiving fixings for 11,000 families.
"What we know is it's a tough time of year for people stretching their budgets," Durkin said.
It's the 20th year of the United Ways annual Thanksgiving project. Without it, a lot of people wouldn't have much of a Thanksgiving.
Boston native Arthur Davis says he comes because everything's free. And this year he has family coming from out of town, so he's happy he'll be able to feed everyone.
"Do you know if they, I mean if they weren't here we wouldn't have nothing so," he said.
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The project wouldn't be possible without volunteers, Boston Mayor Marty Walsh says.
"It's great that the United Way is doing this along with Catholic Charities. And so many volunteers from all over— all over Boston, all over Massachusetts— that are here today," he said.
And he's proud to join them along with Cardinal Sean O'Malley.
The spirit of giving reminds sisters Linda and Lizette Brown of what Thanksgiving means to them.
"All the food, give it all to everybody who needs to eat," Linda says.
