JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Thousands of people will have a warm meal to be thankful for this Thanksgiving because of our area homeless shelters. The Sulzbacher Center is serving up one of the biggest meals in the city.
The Center is prepared to feed 1,000 people Thursday. Volunteers began preparations days ago.
The Director of the Center's Food Services Kevin Nacke said getting ready for the big meal has taken a lot hard work and clearly, a lot of food.
"[We're cooking] about 1,000 pounds of turkey. We'll do 15 gallons of gravy. We have 100 pounds of green beans, green bean casserole" said Nacke. "We probably did 150 pounds of sweet potato casserole we'll do a couple hundred pounds of dressing. I think it was 100 pounds of corn. You know it's going to be a busy day," Nacke admitted.
A lot of people doing the prep work are actually living at the Sulzbacher Center, like Michael Lucas.
"I'm volunteering in the kitchen. They do a lot for me so why not help out," said Lucas.
Lucas is a Marine Corp veteran who said the organization has helped him re-group for the past three months.
"I guess you could say I feel like since I'm being blessed why not give my blessings to other people," said Lucas.
Most of the residents work in the kitchen every single day. But, Danita Tovaocia said volunteering on the holiday helps her keep a perspective on her life.
"[It's] from being on the street for a very long time, which by the grace of god I'm clean now." said Tovacia. "I lived with a lot of these people out there. [Im happy] just being able to give back and being able to encourage some of the ladies that come through the line," said Tovaocia.
Lunch begins at Noon at 611 E. Adams St. For more information call (904) 394-8082, 394-8100 or visit sulzbachercenter.org.