Goodwill Industries: A free feast for decades - KTIV News 4 Sioux City IA: News, Weather and Sports

Goodwill Industries loves giving back, especially at their annual Thanksgiving Dinner. In fact, officials estimate Sioux City has gobbled up more than 80,000 free plate's worth. Sunday, that number climbed a little higher.

This year marked the 86^th people have been flocking to Goodwill for a free bite of fine fowl. And it's always appreciated.

"More than you know. There are a lot of hungry people out there in the world today," said Dale Allen of Sioux City.

It's estimated the event brings out more than 900. Organizers say they have a big appetite.

"People ask me a lot, 'How many turkeys do you go through?' Well we have it catered, but about 30 to 40 turkeys to feed this many people," said President of Goodwill Industries John Hantla.

Hantla says to make this meal happen they need more than 100 volunteers; folks to help find seats, and serve some bird.

Donald Parrott is one of them. He drove 45 minutes from Washta, Iowa, making this his 21^st year of helping out. Parrot says he'll keep going because so many these days need a good meal.

"We've just been lucky, so why not help somebody else? There are a lot of people out of work right now. A lot of kids get something to eat," said Parrott.

It's more than a meal. It's a statement.

"The people of Siouxland care. They care about one another. Coming out and helping your neighbor, that's what we're about. That's our Midwestern values," said Hantla.

The folks at Goodwill say they couldn't have had the feast without a lot of help. They want to thank Central Catering, Siouxland Regional Transit System, Aramark, and Dean Foods of Le Mars.