Almost 1,500 meals are being prepared for Thanksgiving Day

Myrtle Grove, NC (WWAY)– “There is nothing else more fun than helping other people”, said Jerry Cannon. Cannon has been directing the “Thanksgiving Project”, for well over 40 years. The project started out small, with only a few bags of groceries, but it eventually turned into a community event at the Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church.

The night before Thanksgiving, volunteers come in and start prepping a traditional Thanksgiving meal. That mean will then be delivered the following morning all over the New Hanover region.

“We will be delivering to Solomon Towers, Glover Plaza, and University Arms apartment. I also have a couple of guidance counselors that give me names of family that are in need”, said Cannon.

On Wednesday Evening, over 50 people gathered inside the church to form an assembly line so that everything looks delicious. Jay Askew was the directing the ensemble of volunteers in the gym.

“We have Turkey carvers, that’s the first station, then they bring the Turkey to the next table to weigh it. I will then record it. We have people doing portions of gravy, portions of cranberry sauce, portions of bread, and portions of pie”, said Askew.

Alex Ghazalian, who came with his family, is one of the many volunteers helped during the night. He expresses why it’s important to give back to the community.

“I love to help contribute for those who are not able to afford that luxury or privilege. I really cherish spending time as a family, so I really wanted to help those who might not be able to”, said Ghazalian.