The holiday spirit filled the air in Hempstead Saturday as families received free turkeys thanks to the kindness of others.

On Terrace Avenue, a block known for high crime and low income, a Thanksgiving gift was organized by the ABBA Outreach Center. About 700 families got not only a free turkey, but a box of fixings filled with everything needed for a Thanksgiving dinner. Local churches and businesses helped raise money and donated food. ABBA plans to do the same thing around Christmas.

Elsewhere in Hempstead, dozens of families picked up free turkeys from the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers at Kennedy Park. Corey Pegues, of NOBLE, says they gave out more than 121 turkeys.

Many recipients said the generosity showed that even during tough times, there is still love around and a lot to be thankful for.