CHESAPEAKE, Va. — Long before the first families line up for Thursday's free Thanksgiving dinner, the kitchen at Buffalow Family & Friends has already been running for more than a week.

Volunteers have been putting in 12-hour shifts to prepare one of Hampton Roads’ largest holiday meal efforts, cooking, seasoning, plating, and packing food that will feed thousands across the region.

“We spent the past week prepping about 500 turkeys, 25 hams, and you can imagine what the sides look like, even desserts and beverages as well,” said Jonathan McNair, Public Relations and Marketing Director for the nonprofit.

This year, the organization has received nearly 5,000 RSVPs, signaling that the community's need continues to rise.

A Growing Need in Chesapeake

Buffalow Family & Friends doesn’t just

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