Hundreds of Sacramento's homeless came to the Loaves and Fishes dining room Tuesday for a delicious Thanksgiving meal. They left with full stomachs and supplies that will help keep them warm through the winter.
Some came by bicycle, others pushing grocery carts of their only belongings. More than a thousand guests enjoyed turkey and all the trimmings thanks to the effort of dozens of volunteers.
"They make me feel like I'm at home," said Deborah Green. "That was a home-cooked meal."
After dinner, Green stopped to pick up a few necessities being offered by a group from the Mormon Church.
"I got me some gloves, a winter hat and a scarf," she said - proudly admiring her new gifts.
Barbara Rego watched as, one by one, the homeless chose from a wide selection of hats that will keep them warm this winter.
"The men are crazy about any of the NFL colors, especially the 49ers and the Raiders," she explained. "The women love the froufrou stuff, so we have some with flowers on them."
Rego smiled as she watched an Oakland fan make his selection.
"Look... look!" she exclaimed. "He just chose a Raiders hat. I made that one!"
This year's point-in-time count finds Sacramento's homeless population has increased 30 percent since 2015.
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