FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) - Wednesday morning started off with a prayer inside the parking lot of Catholic Charities, as volunteers geared up to hand out nearly 2,000 turkeys to those in line. Some community members even camped out overnight to make sure they received a turkey and a box of Thanksgiving food items. "We weren't going to have a ride in the morning, and I've been here last year, so my friend Raymond said he had a tent so we jumped on the last bus over here and we've been here all night," said Leticia Navarrette. This is the 16th year Catholic Charities is hosting their turkey distribution, relying on community donations and support to feed the families who showed up Wednesday. The nonprofit says it takes pride in being a bridge over troubled water for the community. ”People are here to receive help, we take that as an incredible responsibility and an incredible blessing to be able to provide that assistance today," said Mackenzie Villalobos, who is the development director of Catholic Charities. Several people stood in the line that wrapped around the building to pick up a Thanksgiving meal because of financial hardships. "I can't afford it," said Beverlly Russ. "I pay my rent, and I can't afford to go grocery shopping when I want, you know, I must get exactly what I need, and make it stretch.” Mark Lopez stood in line for a turkey Wednesday morning, but he’s also a Catholic Charities volunteer, dedicating his time to helping others in need. "I'm going to share with the household I live in. I'm pretty excited about that," said Lopez. "I love to cook, and I especially love Thanksgiving, this is the best meal of the year." As community members entered the parking lot, they were greeted with cheerful faces, and Thanksgiving wishes as volunteers helped send them home with turkeys and all the sides to go with it. The Diocese of Fresno says this year there are more people than ever before, but they always have enough. "It's the multiplication of loaves and fish, it does happen, it really does. And it happens every year, we get worried about having enough, we get nervous, but then we trust," said Bishop Joseph Brennan.