Thanksgiving arrives early for Houston families

HOUSTON -- For thousands of Houston families Thanksgiving arrived early.

Ray McHenry will feed his entire family with the food brought to him today.

"Dinner for five," said McHenry. "Five, three children, me and my lady friend."

Kids Meals Houston provides food to more than 1,000 families with young children who might not get much on Thanksgiving without the helping hand.

"About a third of the meals we serve, we know that the only meal they receive that day is the meal that Kids meals provides, so we know that these families are really struggling," said Christina Vetrano with Kids Meals.

Volunteers say they are only able to serve a fraction of those in need.

"Our stats show that there are approximately 80,000 preschool aged kiddos that are food-insecure on a daily basis here in Houston," said McHenry. "We are currently serving about 2,500, so we know that we have a lot more work to do."

Kids Meals has an army of volunteers, but with so many in need, the organization could use even more hands. Those receiving food are grateful for the meal.

"I love them to death," said McHenry. "I thank God for to be here and bless them to do that for the ones who need it."

Kids Meals is just one of several organizations helping those in need this time of year. You can find out more by visiting KidsMealsHouston.org