The smell of turkey and ham filled the preparation rooms at Glide Memorial Church before dawn Thursday.
Hundreds of volunteers got up early to help serve at least 5,000 Thanksgiving meals at the iconic San Francisco Church.
The church has been doing this for at least 30 years led by Rev. Cecil Williams. "It feels good and I will be doing it for as long as I can," Rev. Williams said.
He also noted that he is seeing more young people needing help. Outside the line stretched to the corner, with many seniors and people in need looking for a warm meal.
This year cast members from the play The Lion King will be on hand to help entertain those in line waiting for food.
Celebrity Chef Ryan Scott will also offer a special delivery of 1,750 bagged lunches. For volunteer Mia LeBron it's her first year helping. She told NBC Bay Area that she had lost her job recently and once she got back on her feet she vowed to help others who are less fortunate. She said will be back next year.
