CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Iowa Giving Crew hosted its 8th annual Operation Give Birds Meal, an event that grew from a prank to a vital community effort.

“Each meal feeds an average family of four. Today, in less than six hours, we will impact 8,000 people,” said Danielle Monthei, director of the Iowa Giving Crew. “We see dogs, we see children, we see tears. I mean, we give people a Thanksgiving that they may or may not have access to.”

Volunteer Tyler Wright noted how simple the process is for those who need it. “Community members don’t have to pay or do anything. They just need to register and they can get food that helps support themselves and their families,” he declared. “I hope it shows that we care about the community and we’re here for the community.”

Tiffany Hermsen, vice president of the Iowa Giving team, reflected on the growth of the event and said, “It has definitely taken on a life of its own. We are very proud of how it has developed and hope to continue to grow. Every year, when we see families come in who can receive a meal, that’s exactly what we’re looking for: to be able to help people who usually can’t have a meal at this time of year. “