INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis Thanksgiving tradition in giving is providing holiday meals to more Hoosiers than ever before, and they need several thousand dollars more to break even.

The Mozel Sanders Dinner, now in its 38th year, gave meals to more than 40,000 people this year, up about 25 percent from years past, 6News' Julie Pursley reported.

"It definitely represents the state of our economy," said head chef Cullen Simpson. "We've got a lot of people who've been out of work for an extended period of time."

Cooking got under way early Thursday in one of the kitchens on the campus of Butler University on Indianapolis' north side.

Volunteers will serve up 15,000 pounds of turkey, 10,000 pounds of dressing, 2,000 pounds of green beans, 40,000 dinner rolls, 1,000 gallons of gravy and 8,500 pounds of apple crisp to Hoosiers in need.

"It's not just the feeding, but it's the warmth of the fellowship, the camaraderie," said Rev. Roosevelt Sanders, the son of the late Mozel Sanders.

"There's no secret, we just all work together and get it out," said Eddie Jackson, who runs the gravy station each year. "It's about giving. That's what it's all about, giving and helping each other get this food out for the ones that need it."

Some volunteers used the day as a teachable moment so their children would understand the importance of giving back to the community.

"Now that he's old enough to really understand what goes into helping out others, I think it's a good opportunity for him," said volunteer Rose Milto of her son, Dominic.

Some of the meals were sent out to satellite locations, while others will be delivered directly to homes. Calls for dinners were taken until 11 a.m.

Johnathan Harpool, who received meals for his family, said he appreciated the effort.

"I thank God for sending people to help everybody, and do what they do," he said.

Operators will were also taking donations over the phone at 317-927-1183. Organizers said they need about $15,000 more to break even.

More Information: Mozel Sanders