INDIANAPOLIS — Volunteers gathered the day before Thanksgiving in Butler University's Atherton Hall to help the Mozel Sanders Foundation feed thousands.
Volunteers represented a wide range of organizations.
Some, like IPS Superintendent Aleesia Johnson, came to volunteer with their children.
Oliver Mackie came home from school in Louisville.
"I'm home for the holidays from school and my mom said, 'Do you want to volunteer?' and I said, 'Why not? Might as well do some more volunteering with my time,'" said Mackie.
Even Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales stopped by to help work in the kitchen.
The Mozel Sanders Foundation has a goal to feed 11,000 people this year.
Area churches and kitchens also pitched in to make sure everyone has a hot meal.
This year marks the 52nd year the Mozel Sanders Foundation has served families on Thanksgiving.
"We are still striving to make sure that no one goes hungry during the Thanksgiving season," said Stephanie Sanders.
Christian Bickham, 16, said it's important to give back.
"I'd want someone to do the same thing for me too. It's a good feeling to give back to people who is are fortunate when you know you have time to do it," said Bickham.
There are still limited volunteer opportunities for Thursday afternoon to assist in clean up at Butler University.
Visit MozelSanders.org and click on volunteer to sign up.