Organizations help local families in spirit of Thanksgiving

This browser does not support the video element.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — This week, local organizations are giving a helping hand to families struggling with extreme poverty and homelessness.

City Electric Supply in the University area donates hundreds of pallets to a customer with a big vision.

[ALSO READ: Cops and Barbers program invites community to free Thanksgiving meal]

Customer Charles Robinson usually takes the money from recycling those pallets and gives it to nonprofit efforts in Charlotte. This week, he used the funds to buy turkeys and other food for those in need.

“Being able to bring family together to sit down, enjoy a meal is important. Kids need bonding. They need that,” Robinson said.

Across town on North Tryon Street, Deanna Bogli, a local Walmart manager, and her team had a similar idea. They gave meals and warm blankets to people with no home.

"I love giving back. I've been too blessed not to give back,” said Merekia Mccorkle, a Walmart employee.

While our cameras were rolling, Bogli told her associates she used to be homeless herself.

"I don't open up to my associates very often, but I actually used to be homeless, so it means a lot. One little thing means so much to people who don't have anything,” she said.