1,500 needy Jacksonville families will enjoy turkey and all the fixin's this Thanksgiving, thanks to the Salvation Army.
But, unlike past years, recipients had to show they have a job and a place to live in order to qualify for the assistance.
Paul Stasi, Social Services Director for the Salvation Army of Northeast Florida, said the charity also raised the earning cap this year to 150% of the federal poverty level. For a family of four that is a little more than $35,000.
“What we want to do is focus on individuals who are considered the working poor," he said.
"You know if someone was homeless, there are other services so what we’re trying to do with this service is fill the gap and meet those needs.”
Stasi says the Salvation Army planned to hand out at least 300 more Thanksgiving dinners this year than they did last year.
Oscar Buckman waited in line for 2 hours to be one of the first people through the door this morning.
The retired auto mechanic says he just needs a little help now and then.
“I’m by myself," he said. "I don’t eat that much no way. This’ll last me for a while."
According to the Salvation Army, the charity provided toys, clothes and groceries for more than 7,000 needy children and seniors during the holidays last year.
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