Thousands of people won't go hungry this Thanksgiving after receiving food at the Canfield Fairgrounds Saturday. 

The line of vehicles wrapped around the fairgrounds and continued into the street.

Mahoning Veteran's Service Commission Brian Kennedy said, "It's a labor of love. People like to come out and help their neighbor and they like to take care of other people.

Federal Cares Act dollars paid for the food, while Gleaners Food Bank secured additional donations from companies.

Gleaners, veterans and others have teamed up to help feed people and families with the help of companies, non-profit agencies and individual donors.

More than 200,000 pounds of food was ready to give to people in need.

Joe Lordi, the Youngstown Community Food Center and Executive Director of Gleaners Food Bank said, "We have everything needed for a traditional Thanksgiving meal. We have Turkeys, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce. We have produce, boxes with celery, onions, fruit and milk. It's about 40 to 50 pounds of food."

It takes a large number of volunteers to direct traffic, transport, then unload the food, stack it, then load it into people's trunks or vehicles.

Lisa Reardon, who was directing traffic, said "It's always good to bring the community together and get the kids involved and other people."

More than 50 Canfield students and city employees also gave their day to help others.

Veterans from across the Valley who have served our country have been a big part of volunteering each food drive.

"We appreciate being home and this it's just one way of giving back to the community. COVID has effected so many people. We are seeing a lot of veterans at the food give away also because there are not a lot of opportunities here for them. This is one way to help them and people throughout our community," said Phillip Markovitz of the American Legion. 

The need has been growing since the pandemic struck. 

Many people from all walks of life are unemployed, or underemployed at a time when the cost of food and essentials has gone up.

Donna Horvath from Pennsylvania said, "There are also people who are vulnerable and afraid to leave thos homes. It restores my faith in humanity that people are so giving to help others, and stand by each other through such a rough time."

Another food drive is expected to be announced for December.