Salvation Army, Golden Corral serve 20K Thanksgiving meals in Central Florida

ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — About 20,000 people did not go hungry this Thanksgiving thanks to the Salvation Army and Golden Corral.

The Salvation Army for the past 25 years held the "Helpings from the Heart" at 440 W. Colonial Dr. in Orlando.

Nearly 4,000 pounds of turkey, 5,000 pounds of mashed potatoes, 3,500 pounds of green beans and sweet potatoes, 800 pounds of gravy and 15,000 desserts were served to Central Floridians who may not otherwise get a warm meal.

Alexander Shustr volunteers every year. He dresses up a clown and makes sure the kids have a good time.

“They live on the street. Some of them have no home. It makes them smile. I put on a little face, and I come here every year for 15 years now,” Shustr said.

Tony Pearce started attending the large dinner last year and he told Channel 9’s Mike Manzoni that it’s the atmosphere that makes it so special.

“I like the comradery. I like the fact that other people are taking the time out to give,” Pearce said.

Maj. Ted Morris with the Salvation Army told Eyewitness News the dinner isn’t only for those in need.

"It’s for college students who maybe can't get home for Thanksgiving. Senior citizens, maybe young couples who don't want to go out and buy a turkey,” Morris said.

Cox Media Group