RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - Hundreds of families from across the River City gathered Thursday evening for a warm meal at the annual Giving Heart Feast at the Greater Richmond Convention Center.

The free event offered Thanksgiving dinner, clothing, toiletries and opportunities for attendees to make new friends.

The feast marked its 20th year of bringing the community together for the holiday.

“I just love coming here because I really don’t have a family to, you know, go and, you know, celebrate Thanksgiving with,” said Earl, who attended the event for his third year.

Thousands of people spent their Thanksgiving at the convention center. For some, like first-time attendee Samantha Ridley, the event provided a place to celebrate when family wasn’t nearby.

“I’m so grateful for it because it wo

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