Hometown Hero: Carolyn Benavides

For the eighth year, Joe's Pizza on Beltline and Josey in Carrollton will feed Carrollton-Farmers Branch families in need this Thanksgiving.

Carolyn and Richard Benavides, their sons, friends and the community make it happen. About 500 people will volunteer in shifts, and this year, they hope to feed 7,000 people.

Around Labor Day, Joe's Pizza starts preparing to feed families in need. They ask their customers to donate $1, a can of food or even a frozen turkey.

Carolyn and her staff thaw, roast, slice and freeze the turkey. They also make and freeze the dressing.

The week of Thanksgiving, it's a flurry of opening canned veggies and cooking the contents.

The need is great in Carrollton-Farmers Branch, and the Benavides family is happy to help single moms, veterans, the homeless, senior citizens and anyone who needs a free Thanksgiving meal.

If you'd like to make a donation, you can take it to Joe's Pizza at 1904 E. Beltline Road in Carrollton.

For more information, call 972-416-6555 or visit www.joespizzasubs.com.

Donations will even be accepted on Turkey Day.

The Thanksgiving Day Soup Kitchen with free meals to go will be open at the address above from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.