Volunteers share Thanksgiving's cheer

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) -- Thanksgiving Day, and turkey for dinner -- two things that just go together perfectly like mashed potatoes and gravy. But many people around Rhode Island weren't able to get the food and fixings this year without some help. Volunteer groups around the state stepped in to share the day's cheer.

The last couple years have been rough, to say the least, for Ronald Reeves, one of more than two hundred who went to the Church of St. Michael's.

"I got sick. I lost my job. I lost my house, my wife and kids. I lost everything," Ronald said.

"I'm here today and I'm happy, and I'm grateful to be here."

Many at St. Michaels were homeless, but Reeves said not all: "People that don't have a place to go. A place where they can feel loved, wanted, and they don't have to be alone on Thanksgiving day."

Organizers noticed increased attendance at this year's dinner. They say groups and individuals from the community stepped up to meet the rising demand.

"It's very sad, but it's very heartwarming to see the number of volunteers that have come out to help serve today," said the dinner's coordinator, Chris Avella.

Volunteer Frank McGovern was happy to help: "[I'm] very, very thankful for what I have. It's my chance to give back to people who have absolutely nothing."

At the Pawtucket Soup Kitchen, volunteers served about a hundred people Thursday for the organization's twentieth annual Thanksgiving dinner.

"Sometimes they're choosing between a good meal and heat," said the soup kitchen's president Charles Sczuroski. "On Thanksgiving Day, usually that would cost a lot of money for a family."

"It's good to know that we're reaching out and getting as many people as we can from the community to help us out," he said.

To contribute, visit Crossroads Rhode Island's website, or inquire at the other organizations that served dinner this year.