Food & Friends reminds us what Thanksgiving is all about

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Volunteers were up before the sun in D.C. on Thanksgiving morning, prepping holiday meals for thousands of people who really need them. Before the day is out, Food & Friends will have delivered more than 3,500 meals across D.C., Maryland and Virginia, and they couldn't do it without their staff and volunteers-- all year around.

By 7 a.m. on Thursday, more than 700 turkeys were already booked, thanks to some early-arriving volunteers. Organizers say the ordering started about a month in advance, and the turkeys arrived last Friday. They started prepping meals over the weekend.

Among the volunteers in northeast Washington on this Thanksgiving morning were D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who was there with Congresswoman Donna Edwards (D-Md.). Bowser told FOX 5's Melanie Alnwick she loves Food & Friends all year long, but especially at Thanksgiving-- and that she comes every year.

Those who receive these meals on Thursday will get everything you could possibly need to celebrate-- including turkey, veggies, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, soup, and of course-- pie. Meals are made for five, and that's an important number. Organizers pack extra food so those who receive the meals can host their loved ones at their home-- which is what Thanksgiving is really all about.

Clap out for #FoodandFriends drivers heading out to deliver 3,500 #Thanksgiving meals! If you want to help / donate - www.foodandfriends.org or 202-269-2277

Food & Friends doesn't just work their magic on Thanksgiving, though. They do it all year long, and they need your help. They're looking for volunteers to deliver the food, or help out in the kitchen.

HOW TO HELP
If you can help (or want information about becoming a client), call Food & Friends at (202) 269-2277, or follow this link to their website, foodandfriends.org.