RICHMOND, Va. – More than 2,400 people are expected to attend the largest Thanksgiving Day feast of its kind in the area, at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.
The Giving Heart Free Feast is in its 12th year now.
Around 2,500 people were served by hundreds of volunteers, many between the ages of 14 and 24.
The free meal and services are all provided through donations and a team of volunteers make the whole thing happen every year.
Families sign up to host a table and share a traditional Thanksgiving feast with complete strangers.
While the goal is serve people in need, Richmonders of all backgrounds are encouraged to come.
The goal is to introduce people who might not otherwise get to know each other.
“It`s knowing that no matter what goes on in this world, you can count on people,” said organizer Vicki Neilson. “Like this one woman told me she says, you know, I look forward to this because I have someone to talk to.”
Doors open at the convention center at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, and at 11 a.m. the food is served.
GRTC is providing free bus fares to and from the convention center.
There will be a Giving Heart ambassador on every bus who will help out those who need it.