OTTAWA – Thanksgiving feasts were handed out across the capital Monday for those in need.

The Ottawa Mission served 2,748 meals between 11:30 a.m.- 5:00 pm.  That’s about 100 more meals than last Thanksgiving.  The Ottawa Mission typically feeds 1,300 people each day.

Instead of serving “cafeteria-style” as the charity usually does, on Thanksgiving, a turkey dinner was brought to the tables by staff and 150 volunteers.

“There is something dignified about that,” Samantha Laprade with the Ottawa Mission told 1310News.

She said you never heard so much gratitude as you do on this holiday.  

“Men, women and sometimes children come and give thanks.  As sad as it is, it is a very happy place,” said Laprade.

The feast is at the beginning of a very busy time for the mission as it is getting colder and those less fortunate are looking for warm clothing and meals.

Financial donations and used clothing are needed to help get through the winter months.