INDIANAPOLIS — It's a Thanksgiving Day tradition more than 50 years in the making.
"We've got the kids here," said volunteer James Perkins III. "We've got the adults here. We've got everybody coming out, and everybody showed up at 5 o'clock in the morning, so that's a win right there."
One turkey dinner at a time, about 1,000 volunteers packed nearly 10,000 meals for fellow Hoosiers.
"We have dressing," said volunteer Michele Hughes, "and also have green beans, and we have rolls."
"Hoosiers helping Hoosiers," said Perkins. "I've heard it all day."
The event celebrates the spirit of the late Reverend Dr. Mozel Sanders. His service to the Indianapolis community focused on giving, and so does the annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner.
"This is an amazing event," Perkins said. "It's a great time. You get to give back to your community."
"Knowing that I'm helping someone in need, it makes me feel good," said Hughes.
At Tabernacle Presbyterian Church on Indy's near north side, one of the foundation's satellite locations, Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb and Indy Mayor Joe Hogsett helped serve meals.
"I feel like at home here," Holcomb said. "It has turned into a family. You get to know folks and their families over the years."
"Caring for others is just as important as caring for yourself and your own family," Hogsett added.
Among the hundreds of volunteers, Farah Thomas is a first timer.
"It's just a little mission that I set for myself to give back to the community, to give back to the area," said Thomas. "I love being here, and I heard about what Mozel Sanders does, and I'm like, 'Hey! Perfect for me.'"
The event is made possible through several volunteer chefs, including Michael Futch.
"We are doing so much good, because of you guys," Futch said. "Thank you so much. Central Indiana, you rock. Hoosiers helping Hoosiers."