PHOENIX (3TV / CBS 5) – Thousands of people lined up outside St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix Monday to pick up boxes of ingredients for Thanksgiving meals. At one point the line of cars stretched for more than two miles. “We see people coming through and they are just incredibly grateful. Some of those people were donors not long before this pandemic,” said Tom Kertis, president and CEO of St. Mary’s Food Bank. “And then you know that the pandemic strikes and you have lost your job and suddenly you need our services.” Kertis said they are seeing 25% more families in need of their services this year. The food bank is distributing food to around 12,000 families this week. “Oh, it was tough with the COVID-19. It was tough, you know, we all had to be quarantined,” said Cathy Sharrlin, who lined up for dinner on Monday. “I’m disabled, you know, and it’s hard to make ends meet.” St. Mary’s says there are around 300 volunteers working every day through Thanksgiving. Still, they needed additional help, and Arizona National Guard Soldiers are on site this week to provide assistance. The food table leaders are also unsure whether they will have enough turkeys to meet demand. At the last inspection on Monday, St. Mary’s supply of around 2,000 turkeys was running out. Those wishing to donate a turkey with other groceries or cash can do so by Wednesday at St. Mary’s warehouse at 2831 N. 31st Ave. do in Phoenix from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Copyright 2020 KPHO / KTVK (KPHO Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
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