Thanksgiving at St. Matthew’s House is more than just a meal. The Naples-based nonprofit served 1,500 people and families hot meals Thursday afternoon, many of whom sat and ate with others at both shelters in Immokalee and East Naples.
"It's a really special day for Saint Matthew's House. We've already distributed 7,900 turkeys and all the groceries to families so they can have their own Thanksgiving meal. Today, we expect to serve about 1,500 people in our shelters, so we're geared up. We have a lot of volunteers," said Steve Brooder, the CEO of St. Matthew's House.
From noon to 4 p.m., the shelter was full of residents, community members, and, of course, steaming plates of turkey, gravy, and all the fix-ins.
“We start tomorrow planning for next year ... Today is about bringing people together. Between our two shelters, we’re serving 1,500 meals — and the joy is contagious," said Brooder.
The annual event is hosted by St. Matthew's House and it's numerous volunteers, many of which have been helping cook and serve food for years.
“This is such a magical place. Helping these people out, seeing their smiles, it’s why we’re here. When someone asks for seconds, I’m right there with another plate. That’s what Thanksgiving is all about," said Phil Castranova, a volunteer.
By about 1 p.m., the line of folks looking for a hot meal wrapped around the building.
“I’ve been homeless for two years ... Having a place where I can charge my phone, make friends, and enjoy a meal — it means everything. I’m pumped up for this turkey. It’s been three years since I’ve had a Thanksgiving meal like this," said Stephen Agge, a resident of the shelter.
If you missed the meal, St. Matthew's House also plans on hosting a large-scale event for Christmas.