LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Salvation Army gave over 600 Thanksgiving meals to people experiencing homelessness this year. 


What You Need To Know

  • The Salvation Army handed out around 600 meals this year

  • The meals were delivered and given via walk up pickup

  • Volunteers packed the meals inside 

  • Volunteers delivered meals to shelters in Lexington in addition to the homeless 

For nine years, Omelia Franklin has volunteered with the Salvation Army, packing Thanksgiving meals for the homeless.

“It's a little different than when we actually had people here, you know, but it's still good to be able to do something,” Franklin said. 

Because of COVID-19, the Salvation Army had the meals available outside where a line full of people waited for their hot meals. 

“It's really gratifying because in the past when we have had people here, you know, they express their gratitude. They're all friendly. You know, you get to sit around and talk to people and stop and give a little bit of work. Some people I've seen over the years and it's just really gratifying,” Franklin said

Along with walk ups, Jeff Montgomery volunteered by delivering these meals to nursing homes and shelters in Lexington. 

“I can say a lot, you know, it's not about white, black, red, green or yellow. We're all children of God and you know you should help somebody else. So whenever you're climbing the hill, you don't give up. If you're pulling up like this, you should be reaching back down to help somebody out. That's just how I feel about it,” Montgomery said.

The volunteers were able to pack and deliver over 600 meals throughout Lexington for the homeless and elderly, working to put a meal in the hands of those in need.