"I've been down here before and this place has made a lot of changes," said John Blackwell.

He's also made changes.

"They helped me out so I could get out of here and get back to my wife and family again," said Blackwell.

Last year he was a guest at the People's City Mission. But, with the center's help, he got back on his feet. Now, he's giving back, by serving a turkey dinner with all the fixings to people in need.

"It makes you feel really good," said Blackwell. "I've just seen a lot of changes. I'm really impressed with what they did to this place. It's really nice."

Pastor Tom Barber, who runs the People's City Mission, said he's always pleased to see how much the community comes together at this time of year.

"It's a blessing sometimes to be with people who are in need and to be thankful," said Barber. "Everybody can celebrate Thanksgiving. In fact the early Thanksgiving was with some folks who were going through some tough times.

"And so, we're glad and our folks here are grateful. It's not a hard luck story. This is a time when everyone celebrates. We're excited that God's with us and He's blesses us in so many ways. It's a wonderful time."

And volunteers agree.

"What better way is there to spend Thanksgiving than to help those who aren't as blessed as some of us and it just makes me feel good," said Katie Gates, a volunteer.

No matter how much or how little they have, the mission, the volunteers and the guests embody what this day is all about: giving thanks.

"I'm back with my wife and my family which is really really cool. I like that," said Blackwell.

The mission said it will need more volunteers to serve food, and some Christmas cheer, at the holiday meal it will serve Christmas Day. To help, visit: http://www.peoplescitymission.org.