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Cor Unum Meal Center A 'Blessing' For Lawrence Residents, Volunteers

LAWRENCE (CBS) - A team of volunteers got an early start at the Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence Thursday to help prepare Thanksgiving dinner for more than 400 less fortunate residents.

Cor Unum Meal Center
Cor Unum Meal Center in Lawrence

Bob Kinsman of Methuen says he donates his time as a way of giving back.

"It blesses you more than you bless," he told WBZ-TV.

But Bob and others also volunteer year round to fulfill a serious need in the state's poorest city.

Cor Unum's founder, Father Paul O'Brien, says 75-percent of the children in Lawrence are at risk of hunger.

"The vast majority we serve," said Father O'Brien, "are working families who don't have enough income to get the food they need for adequate nutrition."

More than 225,000 meals are served each year at Cor Unum. And with just one paid employee, the mission is accomplished by the devotion of volunteers.

Kinsman says the work is rewarding but fun too.

"I love the people out there in the dining room. I love the crew. It's a cohesive group and we all do it for the exact same reason. It's just a blessing."

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