Phoenix food bank to feed plenty for Thanksgiving

PHOENIX — Thanksgiving is going to be little bit brighter this year for as many as 25,000 struggling Valley families.

St. Mary’s Food Bank began handing out boxes filled with donated turkeys and other Thanksgiving goodies Monday morning at 9 a.m. Several people were in line at 4 a.m.

Jerry Brown, spokesman for the food bank, said he and a squad of volunteers expected to be busy for the next three days.

Kelley Hawpe works at Nationwide Insurance but spent the morning loading cars with food. It’s her way of giving back, she said.

“This is my third year and it’s amazing how many people come through from all different walks of life. People trying just make ends meet.”

One of those people is Luis Martinez, who picked up a food box. There wouldn’t have been Thanksgiving dinner at his house this year without the help.

Participating families signed up for the giveaway.

Now Martinez’s entire family, including grandkids, will be having Thanksgiving dinner together.

“This is wonderful. It has been a tough year,” he said.

St. Mary’s will be giving out the food boxes through Wednesday.