A holiday tradition ahead of giving thanks: Giving Thanksgiving feasts to families in need.
Hundreds of people lined up outside the Union Temple Baptist Church in Anacostia Tuesday waiting for their turn to receive a turkey and see free literature and advice about healthy eating and lifestyles.
“It's not just Ward 8 trying to do the whole city,” volunteer Anthony Tate said. “We can't do that, so we do what we can.”
Ward 8 Council member and former Mayor Marion Barry said a nonprofit group helped organize his annual event and was supported by a half-dozen businesses.
“It's tragic, in America and in Washington, you've got to have people in line for turkeys,” Barry said.
As busy as the Barry event was, a massive annual giveaway was held at FedEx Field by the Washington Redskins and several community partners who provided 3,500 turkeys and all the goods for a complete Thanksgiving meal.
“It's stressing after about 1,000 turkeys,” said retired Redskins trainer Bubba Tyer, who was among the 500 volunteers.
But everyone can rest up for the Redskins-Cowboys game on Thursday.
