ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Hundreds of families in Cobb County will be preparing their Thanksgiving meal, including the turkey, for free thanks to a giveaway.
Susan Murphy was the very first car in line and says she is grateful for whatever she gets.
“Probably canned foods for Thanksgiving, probably breads maybe some vegetables,“ said Murphy. “People are struggling. Especially seniors, single parents, mothers and we need the extra help,” she shared.
Sweetwater Mission Development Director, Debbie Ginnocchio said they’ve held this giveaway on Old Alabama Road every week since 2019 but demand has increased dramatically since the government shutdown.
LIST: Thanksgiving food giveaways in metro Atlanta
“When the SNAP program got cut and everybody’s paychecks got cut our numbers…were going up 35 families a week,” said Ginnochio.
The giveaway started around 2 p.m., but cars were lined up in rows way before that- Murphy says she got there four hours early.
“I’m retired so I have nothing to do so free time, “ said Murphy.
Murphy says Social Security helps, but with all of her bills, money is tight, so it’s nice to receive this food before Thanksgiving to help feed her family.
“I’ll tell them I got the turkey,” said Murphy.
Thursday’s giveaway helped to feed at least 500 families.
“A lot of people are hurting. It’s the holidays, they’re scared they don’t know where they’re gonna get their holiday food from,” said Ginnochio.
One week before Thanksgiving, Murphy, and others grateful for the Sweetwater mission giving so much.
“I pray God blesses them because they’re blessing us and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart,” said Murphy.
For more information on Sweetwater Mission click here.
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