CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- For the first time in Charlotte, more than 20 churches are banding together to feed thousands of people this Thanksgiving holiday.
Last year, First Baptist Church in uptown Charlotte went on a solo mission and fed thousands of people in Mecklenburg County.
"It was just unprecedented. I think we saw our expectations were blown out of the water," said Jonathan Rebsamen, associate pastor at First Baptist Church.
This year, 21 other churches have gotten on board. They're part of the Metrolina Baptist Association.
"We actually have exceeded our goal of wanting to provide for 600 families," said Minister R. J. Davis of Nations Ford Community Church.
They're calling it "Feeding the Multitude in Metrolina." The goal of all of the churches is to feed more than 13,000 people this week.
That could be a blessing for the thousands of needy families in our area who are barely getting by.
"We do understand with folks, with the way they're struggling, with the way the economy is right now. We do expect just an incredible, incredible response," said Rebsamen.
The idea is that this Thanksgiving, those families who are struggling have one less thing to worry about.
"When you think about the state of the economy today, fear of job loss, people losing their jobs actually, not having enough to even pay their rent or buy groceries and so they're making those tough decisions," said Davis.
"We want them to understand there's hope and there's hope in the Lord," said Rebsamen.
Most churches will give away their meals on Tuesday at 11.
The following churches are distribution sites:
First Baptist Church Charlotte (distribution begins at 10:30 a.m.)
Nations Ford Community (11 a.m.)
First Baptist Church Matthews (11 a.m.)
University Hills Baptist (11 a.m.)
Holly Hunter Baptist (11 a.m.)
Westmoreland Baptist (11 a.m.)
East Baptist (Monday, 6:30 p.m.)
