Five hundred volunteers were at the Bowery Mission's flagship location served holiday meals in the mission's century-old chapel. The 'mission' was to feed the homeless and hungry.
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Eyewitness News' Diana Williams, Shirleen Allicot, Amy Freeze, Sandy Kenyon, Candace McCowan and Bill Ritter with his son, Owen and daughter, Mia all lent a helping hand.
Eyewitness News helps celebrate Thanksgiving in Bowery
The goal was simple - to remind the homeless that they matter.
"Wheat we care about is that they experience compassion and care so that they chose help and experience a life of dignity," said David Jones of the Bowery Mission.
18 thousand meals were served this week - nine thousand were served today alone.
"I was a recipient of the Bowery Mission's help as I was wandering around, not knowing which direction to go - I was homeless," said volunteer James Macklin.
Each guest walked away with a new coat and a 'blessing bag,' which included socks, a winter hat, gloves and more.
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