Anaheim Ducks help serve 'We Give Thanks' feast in Orange County

ANAHEIM, Calif. (KABC) -- The annual "We Give Thanks" feast kicked off in Anaheim Thursday, with nearly 20,000 people taking part in the event.

Volunteers worked hard all morning cooking food, baking and setting up tables at the Honda Center.

"To see these people come through who you know are probably lonely, probably doesn't have as much or blessed as much as some of the people here volunteering, it's a great thing," volunteer Joshua Matua said.

Nearly 30 years ago, La Casa Garcia owner Rick Garcia started the event.

The dinner started at his restaurant, but grew so big he had to relocate to the Honda Center parking lot.

Volunteers started cooking before 6 a.m., preparing 600 turkeys, 3,000 pies, and 5,000 pounds among other holiday favorites. Garcia said he wanted to make sure everyone has a plate of food on Thanksgiving.

"I think I'm blessed that I've got so many people helping me and volunteers, 1,500 of them," Garcia said.

Some of the hockey players for the Anaheim Ducks were also in attendance to serve people food.

"He's a great person really a lot of people especially this season, you know it's hard for everybody," Aeliyahhu Zamora said.