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It was a traditional Thanksgiving dinner for Heather Beal and her two young children Thursday — turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, pie. Along with some less-traditional choices such as nachos and yogurt.

"Kids like anything," she said with a smile.

Beal, 5-year-old T.J. and 3-year-old Lakota weren't at home watching parades and football on the TV, however. They were among hundreds who came to the Christian Life Center for the Salt Lake City Mission's annual Thanksgiving feast.

"Me and my kids and my ex-husband have been homeless off and on since '09," said Beal, who lives at The Road Home shelter in Midvale. "It's nice to have something like this. The volunteers are nice. It's really good food each and every year.

"And the kids really like it."

The Beals had a lot of company Thursday.

"Our crowds are getting younger," said the Rev. Joe Vazquez, co-director at the Salt Lake City Mission. "And there are more women and children because, unfortunately, the fastest-growing population of homeless is women with children under the age of 9."

The free dinner attracted everyone from senior citizens to young parents with infants. And hundreds of volunteers to serve thousands of dinners — the mission was prepared to serve 3,500 meals from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"That's the good news — that there are good charities here in the area providing help for people," Vazquez said. "So there are places for folks to volunteer. I think it's a great way to show your kids how we should be very thankful. There are people in our community who are struggling and in poverty."

And volunteers go home feeling good.

"Certainly, the folks that are coming here and being served are appreciative that there are those that would come and share on their Thanksgiving Day and give of their time," Vazquez said. "But we also find that volunteers helping other people, it certainly touches them in a way that you can't even explain."

Wes McDougal and his 8-year-old son, Tyler, drove in from Riverton to volunteer.

"It's our first time doing this. We just wanted to help out," said Wes, as Tyler nodded in agreement. "It's great. They're appreciative. They're happy. Hopefully, they get what they need.

"And it makes you feel good to help out."

At times, there seemed to be as many volunteers as there were people being served. Program director Shannon Harrison said the mission didn't have any trouble getting people there to help out.

"No, we always have a great turnout for Thanksgiving," she said. "They're here bringing joy to all of us."

In addition to the food, those in need could pick up hygiene products and warm winter clothes. Despite an enormous selection of clothes, however, men's coats, pants and shoes were gone by 10:30 a.m.

"We're short on men's clothing, but the reality is that folks are getting some of their needs met," Vazquez said. "And our folks can't even afford to shop at thrift stores. A lot of the stuff that they can use, they're getting it here today."

Vazquez and Harrison were quick to point out that as successful as the Thanksgiving event was, it was just part of a continuing effort to help the homeless.

"At 7 o'clock, we'll put it away, take two [work] days off and then Tuesday we start all over," Vazquez said. "We do this all again at Christmas. And the mission's open every day. Yes, everybody's excited about serving on Thanksgiving, but this is going on 365 days a year."

He added, "We could all go through our closets, get a bag and throw a few things in it. And we would have enough to take care of all these people two, three, four times over."

spierce@sltrib.com Twitter @ScottDPierce —

Salt Lake City Mission

Where • 1151 S. Redwood Road, Suite 106, Salt Lake City

Phone • 801-355-6310 or 877-243-5766

Online • saltlakecitymission.org