WASHINGTON – (WMAL) You thought putting together your Thanksgiving meal was tough. At the Washington Convention Center, Events DC is feeding 5,000 people in need the day before Thanksgiving.

“It’s a great cause. Nothing better than the day before Thanksgiving, feeding 5,000 folks that really need it,” said Convention Center Sous Chef Graham Conner. “We’ve had 50 volunteers on Friday, Monday and Tuesday.”

340 turkeys gave their lives for the cause. “We started roasting last Friday. We’re cutting those down now and we’ll have about 7,500 pounds of turkey,” Conner said, noting they separate the light meat from dark meat. “The roasting times are different, so that way we can make sure it doesn’t get dry.”

They’ve also been planning for about 600 pounds each of stuffing and mashed potatoes, along with over 700 apple and pumpkin pies.

“There’s nothing better in the world to me,” Conner said. “When I go home on Thanksgiving, I actually can be thankful that we took the time to do something for somebody else, because so many times we don’t give back, and this allows us to do that.”

On Tuesday, volunteers were working at a long table, separating turkey from bone, near the enormous vat of stuffing. The pies were laying in wait in the refrigerator.

A group from George Washington University came to volunteer as well. One student, Thomas, was working with the stuffing and mashed potatoes. “It’s exciting to know that we’re having such a great impact on these people, that they’re able come have a warm meal, celebrate Thanksgiving with friend and families and other community members.”

Another volunteer, Tanita brought her son along, hoping to impart some valuable life lessons. “It’s a great feeling knowing that the little bit that I did was able to help somebody be fed. It means a lot.”

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