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BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Almost 5,000 meals were ready to go in brown paper bags and loaded into the cars of almost 200 volunteer drivers.
There was a total of about 600 volunteers at the Buffalo City Mission.
"When our volunteers go out, they go out with their hearts," Buffalo City Mission Associate Executive, Mike Smith told YNN.
And some of those with the biggest of hearts were also some of the youngest.
"I want people to be happy and spend time with their families and also I want them to eat, so that's why we are doing this today," Joshua Conta, a City Mission Volunteer told us.
We went along for the ride while meal, after meal warmed the hearts of those making the delivery and the bellies of those thankful to receive them.
Jennifer Conta, Joshua's mother, felt she wanted to help others with her two children this Thanksgiving and ended up getting something in return.
"It's like a million bucks. It's like, I feel awesome," She said.
And about 100 volunteers at the Buffalo Salvation Army also geared up to bring some holiday joy for those who have fallen on hard times. Turkey and all the trimmings were ready for the 300 people expected here Thanksgiving night. Here, the food was cooked with a little extra TLC.
"To put a smile on their faces, that's all I need, that's all I want," Salvation Army Cook Danny Hamilton said.
"The work that they do in the community here in the Salvation Army is transforming lives," Buffalo Mayor, Byron Brown told YNN.
And while volunteers told us the need seems even greater this year, Thanksgiving night was more about sharing and love.
"It doesn't get any better than that. These are our people, these are our family,"
Buffalo Salvation Army Executive Director, Major Thomas Applin told us.