Thousands of people fill Market Street in downtown Chattanooga on Thursday morning during the Grateful Gobbler Walk, an event that benefits the Chattanooga Homeless Coalition.
Alice and Kenneth Danley eat their Thanksgiving meal at the Community Kitchen on 11th Street in downtown Chattanooga.
Vanessa Draeger, left, and Gerry Kirk wear turkey hats at the Grateful Gobbler Walk.As most families sat down in front of turkey to give thanks, dozens gave their time Thursday at the Chattanooga Community Kitchen.
About half of the 150 or so volunteers who signed up to serve turkey, pour iced tea and visit with the homeless and downtrodden are regulars, making a tradition of Thanksgiving and Christmas at the Community Kitchen.
“After the first or second time, you almost become like a family,” said volunteer Jim Greasby. “Even the workers here — they do become part of your family.”
Greasby and Mark Williams are regular volunteers at the kitchen. And they’ve made a habit of coming every Thanksgiving.
Williams said he’s drawn to help because of how the community rallies around the charity. He pointed out the Community Kitchen receives no federal funds and is supported solely through donations and volunteers.