Charlie Hughes drove to the Chattanooga Community Kitchen on Thursday morning and could not remember a single Thanksgiving he’d spent anywhere else.
Hughes, the executive director, was on hand as employees and volunteers welcomed the homeless and needy through the door, as they do every day, making them feel welcome and loading up their plates with food.
“This is Thanksgiving to me,” Hughes said.
Chattanooga’s generosity was on full display Thursday. In addition to the meals at the kitchen, the Salvation Army also delivered hundreds of meals to shut-ins, according to marketing director Kimberly George.
By lunch, the Community Kitchen had served more than 400 meals.
Kelly Israel, who works in food service for the kitchen, said holiday preparation started in March and the kitchen cooked and froze 400 to 500 turkeys. Christmas already is taken care of, she said.
Israel said it’s no different than having a big meal at home, really.
“The only difference is there’s just more people at the table,” she said.
Hughes said he was also thankful for the volunteers, who waited on people while they ate. He said it provided a change from the usual hectic pace of lunch time.
“It allowed today to be a little more like a family type meal,” he said.
Rudy Hudson came to the kitchen and piled his plate high with food. He recently was released from prison where he spent 11 years.
He’s been in Chattanooga for the last eight to nine months trying to put things back together. He’s had some success: He got a part-time job and has a baby on the way.
“There’s a lot to be thankful for, in spite of things,” he said.