Michiana volunteers feed thousands for Thanksgiving

ELKHART, Ind. -- A number of Turkey Day traditions are already underway across Michiana, including many that involve giving thanks by giving back! This afternoon, Elkhart turkey trotters were out picking up their packets for the 16th annual Turkey Stampede.

They are expecting more than 3,000 stampeders, with all the proceeds going straight back to Faith Mission in Elkhart, which serves meals not just for the holiday, but 365 days a year.

"That really allows Faith Mission to do their mission throughout the year, which is in the Michigan area, hunger, and homelessness." said Grant Carlile, Turkey Stampede Volunteer Coordinator.

Thursday, the organization is partnering with the Salvation Army to use the funds raised to feed more than 600 people on Thanksgiving.

"We just want to give back to the community and yeah, they're going to either delay their time as a family or we just forgo it altogether to be here to serve those in the community that are really struggling." said Ron Sherck, Salvation Army of Elkhart Development Director. "We know loneliness is a problem and this is a place where people can come and be with some others and socialize and have a great meal."

The tables are all set, and Sherck says all are welcome from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at both Faith Mission and Salvation Army in Elkhart.

A number of Turkey Day traditions are already underway across Michiana, including many that involve giving thanks by giving back, including one right at the Ronald McDonald House.

For more than a decade, the Penn High School hockey team has spent the night before Thanksgiving providing holiday meals to others. This year they will feed 12 families spending the holiday in the hospital. A traditional dinner will be served at 1 o'clock, with ham, turkey, and all the fixings provided by the team.

"No one wants to be in the hospital during the holidays, especially now with your children, so being able to provide a place where they can come and feel a sense of home and a sense of normalcy is really important." said Kellie Montgomery, RMH Michiana Director of Operations. "That's what we try and do here. Families can still come together and gather and have a good meal and have a little bit of a holiday even though they're away from home."

Ronald McDonald House has a number of other holiday events coming up this year, and they are always looking for more volunteers.