COLUMBIA---(WACH) Angelina Lawson and her family were trying to figure out how they would spend Thanksgiving.
"Everyone is in need more than we think", says Angelina Lawson.
Like Mrs. Lawson thousands journeyed to the Carolina Coliseum bright and early Thursday for a chance to get a warm meal.
"There's alot of people that don't have anything and they are not able to get things so this was a blessing for everybody”, says Angelina Lawson.
A blessing indeed... food was not the only item up for grabs.
A local Boy Scout troop gave away clothes, hats, and gloves in preparation for those cold winter days.
And an eye doctor gave away free glasses.
Organizers say they knew this year would be different.
"We sort of anticipated that with the economy the way that it is this year all the bad gloomy news, we knew that their would probably be an up tick in guests”, says Robert Keeder.
Each guest was seated at a table with a volunteer so that they could have a family like dinner.
"We want everyone that comes for a meal to feel special”, says Rachel Wright.
As they ate.... local musicians stirred up their soul with great music.
"Just to see everyone come out is surprising and you know this says something to our senators and governors what can we do”, says Rachel Wright
Lawson says this day was full of surprises and that she's thankful for what matters the most.
"I'm thankful for life, my son Zion, I'm thankful for his health”, says Angelina Lawson.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH