DENVER (CBS4) – Hundreds of Denver metro area families will get to have Thanksgiving dinner thanks to the kindness of strangers.

The Denver Rescue Mission went from a dire food shortage to handing out 1,250 food boxes on Tuesday.

When people in the community heard the mission wouldn’t be able to feed many families this year, they chipped in.

“I got laid off my job. So this is very helpful so my family can have Thanksgiving,” Beatrice Calderon said.

“This is the best part of Thanksgiving, sharing with all of these wonderful people, and the sun is shining and it’s a great day.” volunteer Karen Mitchell said.

On Tuesday radio station KYGO was broadcasting “Feed the Need” from The Crossing — handing out food and raising money.