CINCINNATI -- St. Vincent de Paul distributed more than 1,200 full Thanksgiving meals to local families in need on Tuesday.
People began lining up hours in advance outside St. Vincent de Paul Liz Carter Outreach Center in the West End (1125 Bank St.), before the distribution started at 10 a.m.
"Having a paycheck short from being able to provide a meal for my family, with St. Vincent De Paul, it's truly a blessing," said Betty Griffin of Westwood.
The food distribution was open to anyone in need of a Thanksgiving meal. A photo I.D. was required; and they were limited to one meal basket per family. Each basket contained everything needed to make a complete meal including a turkey, roasting pan, fresh produce and all the fixings.
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More than 130 community volunteers gave their time to help neighbors in need at the distribution, St. Vincent de Paul leaders said.
"It's not what you get; it's what you give," said Steve Gerhardt, who was volunteering at the event. "One of the things that we all get out of this is a terrific feeling. We're tired at the end of the day, but we get a terrific feeling knowing we've done the right thing for the right reasons to a group of people that are in great need."
St. Vincent De Paul is also looking for volunteers and donations for their Christmas Food Distribution. To make a donation or host a drive, visit the website here or call 513-421-HOPE (4673).
