Early Thursday morning, volunteers worked steadily in the kitchen of The Manna House on Jarrott Street in Florence. While some carved turkeys, others stirred giant pots in preparation for the organization’s Thanksgiving dinner.
"This is Thanksgiving and what better way to spend Thanksgiving day than serving food and cooking it for someone else," said George Beshere, who has volunteered at The Manna House for nearly a year.
The food bank and emergency food pantry served Thanksgiving breakfast and lunch to those who were hungry Thursday. Officials said volunteers did most of the work.
"They’re very important," said Daphine Tedder, the executive director of the organization. "The Manna House is about 90 percent volunteerism. Everybody’s input is important. Everybody’s contribution is important."
The Manna House serves breakfast and lunch Monday through Friday to those who are hungry. On a typical day, the organization usually serves about 50 people breakfast and more than 125 people lunch.
"We never can predict the crowd. Some days you might have less, some days you’ll have more. You just never know," said Tedder.
On Thursday, volunteers and employees were preparing enough food for about 250 people to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.
"You know, often times, people talk about giving and doing and helping those that are less fortunate than we are. But, often times, a lot of people just actually talk. And so, I believe in action. I think action speaks louder than words," said Glenn Keels, who was volunteering Thursday.
The Manna House has been in operation since 1992.
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