MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Dozens of local military families will have a big Thanksgiving dinner thanks to the American Legion Post #321 and the Forgotten Soldiers outreach organization.

Their so called ‘turkey run’ happened Sunday afternoon at the Williams US Army Reserve Center in Miami.

“These are our heroes,” said volunteer Dee Dee Roache. “They knew what they were getting into and were still willing to do it.”

Roache was among a group of volunteers who spent their time and money to ensure troops with the 841 Engineer Battalion, who recently returned from Afghanistan, were taken care of for Thanksgiving.

“It’s amazing to think that these people don’t even know me or know us,” said military wife Ericka Rakhaar. “They don’t know our families but they are so giving, it’s very nice.”

The Forgotten Soldiers outreach gave away 65 boxes to families. Each box was filled with side items for Thanksgiving and a gift certificate for a turkey.

“To our troops it means the world to them,” said Janette Chandler with the 841st Engineer Battalion. “A lot of them are unemployed; a lot of them are going through family issues so the support is really big right now.”

For the volunteers, the appreciation was mutual.

“It makes me feel good,” said Roache. “Military people sign a blank check, it’s about time we start to repay them!”