MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Westy's in downtown Memphis is known for its late-night food menu, but Thanksgiving morning, the kitchen was open before sunrise. This was all in preparation for the restaurant's annual Thanksgiving Dinner. In partnership with Lindenwood Christian Church and Operation BBQ Relief, volunteers spent days planning the massive meal expected to feed up to 1,500 people. Jack Woods with Operation BBQ Relief, an organization dedicated to serving hot meals to communities in crisis, says he's been a part of the giveaway for years and says he wouldn't want to start his Thanksgiving Day any other way. "It's something that we hold dear to our heart. It's a way that we can give back to the community that's given so much to us over the years," Woods said. 100 turkeys were cooked inside the enormous barbecue pit. Hundreds of people from all walks of life lined up for the free meal. Volunteers say seeing these faces reminds them why they continue the event year after year. "I think the point is just to be helpful and welcoming to the people the people that may be alone at Thanksgiving," said volunteer Dan Kellow. "They may be unhoused but they also may be just by themselves and not be blessed with family that's close by. So, they get to meet and touch other people and they get a good meal at Thanksgiving."