13 years later: Thanksgiving Day tradition grew out of man's mission to honor late mother
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- For families facing tough times, a warm Thanksgiving meal can mean everything.
In Fayetteville, one man has made it his mission to ensure no one goes without one and over the years, that mission has grown into a cherished community tradition.
What began 13 years ago as a son's effort to honor his mother has transformed into a massive annual event, feeding thousands throughout the city.
Carl Pringle, founder of We Are One Big Family, says he is grateful the idea has grown to what it is today.
"There's some things I can't do, but I can grill. I can run my mouth, I can bring people together," Pringle said. "And if I can feed somebody along the way, why not?"
On Thanksgiving morning, Pringle and about 80 volunteers fired up grills at the city's resource center, cooking more than 100 turkeys. Together, they assembled more than 3,000 hot meals with help from the Serving Southern Comfort organization and others.
Pringle says, food has always been his way of connecting with people. "If I'm blessed, why not do it? One thing about food, it brings people together, so I do my thing through food," he said.
For many, the impact was immediate.
"This was a blessing," said Fayetteville resident Richard McCloud, who waited in a line that stretched around the building. McCloud, who frequents the city's day center, said the meal offered more than nourishment; it offered comfort during this holiday season.
"I had no other avenue to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal because my family is in Wilmington," he said. "I learned they were having a Thanksgiving meal here at the day center, so I joined."
The effort reached far beyond the resource center. Volunteer Shelli Shaver delivered 120 lunches to Falcon Children's Home, ensuring 88 children there could also enjoy a holiday meal.
"Just because you have a hard time right now doesn't mean you can't have a great life afterwards," Shaver said.
For Pringle, who spent the first three years serving meals on his own in honor of his late mother, the tradition has become part of his purpose.
"It gives me purpose. I just really enjoy doing this," he said.
SEE ALSO | Fayetteville Outer Loop completed, expected to ease traffic and promote economic growth
