SCRANTON, Pa. — Family to Family in Scranton feeds thousands of people each Thanksgiving. It's an enormous undertaking in any year.
In 2020, the organization has had to multiply its efforts 24 times over.
Cars lined up in the parking lot at Scranton High School Wednesday, and each one carried a unique story.
"It means everything to me. At this point, I have to get the school lunch for the kids. Zero income coming in and bills piling up. So, this really helps," said Kenneth Banfield of Pocono Lake.
Family to Family handed out Thanksgiving food baskets outside this year, throwing turkeys and all the fixings into about 3,000 cars.
"I like it; I think they should do this more often. It's easier. This is better than being down the Masonic Temple," said Dale Thomas of Scranton.
Covid-19 really highlighted how hunger is problem that exists year-round. So, this year, Family to Family and its partner organization Friends of the Poor have been doing outdoor food distributions just like this since the beginning of the pandemic.
"Who knew that we would now be on our 24th food giveaway this year? So, we've got it down to a science. This is probably the most efficient Thanksgiving we've ever had," said Linda Robeson of Family to Family.
A team of volunteers kept the line moving, sending families home with a holiday meal they might not otherwise have.
"I'm glad to see that they're doing it because so many people, this year because of everything that's gone on in 2020, need that extra help," said Bill Jasuta of Scranton.
"So many people worse off than I am. I just thank God for places like this to help families in need," added Banfield.
The Thanksgiving food distribution isn't the end for 2020. Family to Family and Friends of the Poor still have three food distributions scheduled for December.