Early Thanksgiving at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara

Thanksgiving came early to the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara.

Hundreds of people showed up Monday night to eat a traditional Thanksgiving dinner together.

The food was donated by local organizations and businesses. 

Volunteers served up the delicious meal with a smile, including Patrick, the son of Newschannel 3 reporter Alys Martinez

The community Thanksgiving meal has been an annual event since the 1950's.

Laurie Leis, the Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club said the event is all about giving back, "This is a way of our staff and our board and community members sponsoring the event to give thanks to all the kids who have come here for generations."

The Boys & Girls Club offers a place for kids in the Santa Barbara Community to go after school where they play sports, study and do activities.