Watch CBS News

South Florida Volunteers Give Thanks & Give Back

Follow CBSMIAMI.COM: Facebook | Twitter

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – It was a celebration to give thanks and give back on Thursday.

"I'm having a great time, single parent and I'm just enjoying myself," said Laurie Burks.

The Miami Rescue Mission let everyone know they have a home for the holidays.

"I feel wonderful because some of these things...we can't even afford to take the kids out. So it's a blessing to have somewhere to go on Thanksgiving," said a woman who identified herself as Cecilia.

CLICK HERE To Watch Gaby Fleischman's Report 

Volunteers are the mission dished out a turkey day meal with all of the trimmings.

"We cooked 200 turkeys. We have stuffing. We have about 120 pounds of stuffing. We had 100 pounds of instant mash. We got 300 pies," said Miami Rescue Mission Chef Calvin McFadden.

With 600 volunteers on hand, the feeling of gratitude was mutual.

"It makes me feel happy I can be someone that provides for them, talks to them, gives them a second to hear out their lives. It's great. It's an encouragement to me and an encouragement to them as well," said volunteer Steven Padille.

For many who woke up on the street on a cold Thanksgiving morning, a warm meal meant everything.

"I appreciate what they do," said Godfrey Glover.

But the Rescue Mission didn't just dish out food, they offered free shaves and haircuts, time for some rest and relaxation, entertainment for kids and medical check ups.

They also served up hope by signing people up for the Miami Rescue Mission program to help them turn their lives around.

"My life was torn apart. I came here and I haven't looked back since. So if they can do it for me they can do it for anybody and we're thankful for that," said Chef McFadden.

A Thanksgiving blessing that the mission said could turn into a new start.

"To let people know they are not forgotten. For the homeless, the needy, the hungry we want them to know whatever their issues are whatever their problems, there's no judgment here. The main thing is to find out how we can help them," said Director of the Miami Rescue Mission Marilyn Brummitt.

The block party is a Miami Rescue Mission Thanksgiving tradition. They do it every year.

The mission fed 3,000 people in Miami, Hollywood and Pompano Beach on Thursday.

RELATED CONTENT:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.