1,500 people enjoy Thanksgiving dinner at Veterans’ Memorial Center

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - More than 1,000 people came to a special thanksgiving dinner at the Vets Center in Santa Maria on Monday.

Organizers said people have been standing in line since early Monday morning.

The event which was hosted by the Santa Maria - Bonita School District was also made possible with the help of the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County which donated more than 20 turkeys for the dinner.

A total of 1,500 people including school families as well as those from around the community came to the event.

“People have been waiting. We're giving turkeys as well. We hope this will bring joy to families during this special time of the year,” said organizer Brian Zimmerman.

During the event, bags of healthy food including canned goods and produce were also given out to those families in need.