The Giving Heart celebrates 20 years of serving free Thanksgiving meals
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — A free Thanksgiving Feast returned to Richmond for the 20th year.
On Thursday, Nov. 27, The Giving Heart hosted its annual event at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Long lines wrapped around the venue as people gathered to enjoy a warm meal with the community.
"We are here because we are a community that's giving back even on Thanksgiving Day," said Clovia Lawrence, who has volunteered with the organization each year.
On the menu were Thanksgiving staples like turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and string beans. However, hours before the food was served, hundreds of volunteers were busy behind the scenes, prepping and plating thousands of meals.
Volunteers preparing and handing out meals at 2025 Giving Heart Community Thanksgiving Feast. (Photo: 8News)
"I just wanted to come out and serve and what a joy it is when you when you give back," said Debra Love, who volunteered for the first time.
Lawrence says the support of around 400 volunteers is crucial to the event's success.
"Without the volunteers, we couldn't do it because we're going to be serving upwards of three to 4000 people, so we need all hands on deck," Lawrence said.
While many of the attendees are unhoused, Lawrence said some who attend recently lost employment or are living alone. For people like Patricia Gaines, the opportunity to fellowship with others is what keeps her coming back for more each year.
"I've been here for the last 20 years," Gaines said. "It's only [my dog and me], so I can come out and meet people because you need to have conversations with someone when you live alone, so I enjoy coming."
Volunteers handing out free toiletries at 2025 Giving Heart Community Thanksgiving Feast. (Photo: 8News)
The Giving Heart's mission also goes beyond making sure people are fed. The organization offered free toiletries, clothing, and even flu shots to anyone in need.
"We want you to have a meal and when you leave, we want you to be better than you were when you came," Lawrence said.
Many of the meals were also packed in to-go boxes to be served to others in the community.
