Unity in the Community for Thanksgiving

     The goal is to make sure no individual or family in the tri-state area goes hungry on Thanksgiving day.
     A coalition of social service agencies, churches, restaurants and businesses have gathered under the banner of Unity in the Community to serve the less fortunate tomorrow.
     But WDEF News 12's Bill Mitchell tells the people behind the scenes also have a lot to be thankful for.

A year ago Andre Smith was hooked on drugs and living on the street. He found his way from his native Mississippi to the Chattanooga Rescue..where he is one of the team preparing Thanksgiving dinner for some 500 people tomorrow.

SOT---ANDRE  SMITH, CHATTANOOGA RESCUE MISSION IN:15:02 "well, it's only by God's grace and his mercy that I'm here."  

The Rescue Mission on east 8th street  is filled with men and women going through the renewal program....and most of them were working with staff and volunteers getting ready for the big meal.   

SOT---MARILYN LAWSON, VOLUNTEER IN:11:52 "they do a wonderful job here..and it's just a blessing to have this organization."

SOT---DONALD BAER, ADMINISTRATOR  IN:18:36  "we have a program here, a drug and alcohol type program...we want to make an impact in our community and help people  move to the next step in life."             

And the Thanksgiving meal is only one step in a year-round effort. The need is great this year.
It's not just for those who come in.  A voucher let's Erin Rasmussen take food home to her family in East Ridge.

SOT---ERIN RASMUSSEN, EAST RIDGE  IN:24:50  "there's no jobs...my husband is a roofer..he works construction..there's no construction work right now." 

It's the third year for Unity in the Community which will again be staged at the 1st Tennessee Pavilion from 11 to 1 Thanksgiving.

SOT---GORDON HALL, THE SALVATION ARMY IN:28:57  "last year we served about 1700 meals..this year we're expecting 2000 or more meals will be served..its the downturn in the economy..more folks out of work."

Organizers say they will also deliver 200 meals to on-duty police officers..and 500 more to shut-ins all over the city.
They're hoping it will be a Happy Thanksgiving.
In downtown Bill Mitchell, with chief photographer David Moore..WDEF News 12.

    The city of Chattanooga is providing space, security, and promotion of the meal.
     Preparations start about 5 a.m.
     Shuttles will run every 15 minutes between 11 and 1 from Miller Park, The community kitchen, La Pas de Dios and Salvation Army locations on McCallie and 4th Avenue.