Hundreds of local families filled their refrigerators on Thursday, thanks to the Booker T. Washington Center. 

The east side community center hosted a holiday food giveaway, preparing families for Memorial Day. Eligible families received chicken, hot dogs and other barbecue essentials, so they can celebrate the holiday with loved ones. 

Organizers say the holiday meal program is an important way to give back and serve the needs of the community.

The center hosts food giveaways before most major holidays.  Families have to meet eligibility requirements to qualify to receive the meals.