MILWAUKEE — Just in time for Thanksgiving, Interchange Food Pantry donated 21,000 pounds of food to people who need it most. That includes 1,400 turkeys, along with all the other fixings to make a traditional Turkey Day meal. 

It’s a gesture that means a lot for Levorice Funches and his family. 

“I thank God for this,” Funches said. “Not a lot of people are fortunate to have this. By the grace of generous donators, we’re able to eat. We’re able to feed our family and that’s the main thing.” 

Pantry Director George Neureuther said the giveaway started three years ago. It wouldn’t be possible without donors, including Walmart, which donated $20,000.

“It’s the joy that our volunteers and, personally, for me, that we can help people that are really in need, and they are so appreciative of what they receive and it's so wonderful to be a part of,” Neureuther said. 

The giveaway took place at the food pantry’s two locations: One at its downtown headquarters and the other at St. Mark’s AME Church. 

Shirley Smith is a volunteer with St. Mark’s. She said it’s great to be able to give back to the community during the season of giving. 

“We want to bless those that are less fortunate than us...,” Smith said. “Things that are happening now and the way that food prices are, there are some people that never needed help before who need help now.” 

The generosity doesn’t go unnoticed to Funches.

“This brings a lot to the community and it brings a lot to unity,” Funches said. “We need a lot more of that.”