ORLANDO, Fla. – The 26th annual "Helpings from the Heart" Thanksgiving feast kicked off at the Salvation Army on West Colonial Drive Thursday morning.
The tradition serves thousands of people across the community on Thanksgiving with the help of owner and President of Metro Corral Partners Eric Holm.
"To see the smile on people's faces you know they are really thankful and blessed that we can do it year after year," Holm said.
Everything from turkey, ham, mashed potatoes, stuffing, goes to those who can't afford a meal on the holiday or just simply want a bite to eat.
"The important thing is not only can you get fed and have a great Thanksgiving meal, but you know that somebody cares," Captain Ken Chapman of The Salvation Army said.
More than 1,200 volunteers spent their Thanksgiving morning getting results and preparing the meals.
"It's something we expect to do every year," said Jon, a volunteer.
In years past, The Salvation Army has served as many as 25,000 people during the annual gathering.