SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — Cars stretched for blocks through downtown Scranton as volunteers loaded up trunks with free Thanksgiving meals, part of the annual Family to Family food basket giveaway.

Organizers prepared 4,000 meals this year, but they worried they might not have enough.

Linda Robeson, Director of Family to Family, says rising need has become a yearly challenge

“The thing is that the numbers have gone up. We say it kind of started with COVID and then of course with different things in the government, as it was shut down. That was a big concern for everybody. But keeping up with the demand is a little bit hard because we kind of maxed out a little bit at 4,000, just logistically and then financially,” said Robeson.

Still, while food supplies may be stretched, volunteers certainly are not. Hundreds turned out, many arriving before sunrise, to pack bags, carry boxes, cut cardboard, and load cars.

Robeson says the community spirit is what keeps the tradition alive.

“We’ve had kids coming here, almost 40 years who have been volunteering. It just kind of goes from generation to generation. We’ve had a lot of grandparents here with their grandchildren today, which has been very nice. Just because it’s become a tradition for so many people. People just show up,” said Robeson.

That includes the youngest helpers.

10-year-old Calin McCormick told us she volunteers because she knows how much this means.

“So many people can’t afford all this stuff like a lot of us can. It’s really helpful to them to get some food for the holidays,” said McCormick.

Others say giving back feels personal and a way to connect with their home.

“So, we are a part of this community, and we have to help the community. It’s fun helping others because they’re our friends,” said volunteer, Vanshika Patel.

“I feel like it took me a long time to find out about all this stuff when I moved to Scranton. But now I know that I can help the community and I want to do more than I did before,” said volunteer, Barbara Dasilva.

What’s described as a well-oiled machine begins prep months in advance, checking turkey prices and placing orders as early as June or July.

And with SNAP benefits delayed due to the government shutdown, they expect even more families to turn to them for help, not just today, but again for their Christmas food giveaway next month.