The Bridgeport Rescue Mission kicked off its biggest public service campaign of the year on Wednesday -- and it involves a whole lot of turkeys.

Long lines formed at the Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater as people turned out for "The Great Thanksgiving Project" -- a three-day event running until Friday.

The nonprofit gave away 5,000 turkeys, along with bags full of stuffing, cranberry sauce and everything else required for an old-fashioned holiday meal.

Organizers say the event grows every year and reaches families from across the region.

"This is a great feeling for me and the entire staff at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission because we're actually helping people have a great Thanksgiving and that's what it's all about,” said Larry Fullerton, Executive Director of the Bridgeport Rescue Mission. “We want people to know that they're valued and that we value them at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission."

The mission thanked all of its supporters including AlphaBroder and Tenerity.

The event continues Thursday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.