Just over 1,000 turkeys were given out to the less fortunate Thursday night at the annual “Don King Turkey Giveaway.”

The event took place at the Paradise Baptist Church in Newark. Volunteers were also assisted by members of the New Jersey Department of Homeland Security, New Jersey state police and local firefighters. Don King did not attend the event himself.

"We want each family to be able to sit down and when we say ‘Thank God’ for the food that we have, they really have food to feed themselves and their families,” says Bishop Jethro James.

King has organized this event for the last 19 years in Newark.

"The first time he came to Newark for us he brought 10,000 turkeys, which was overwhelming,” says Carolyn Kelly Shabazz, one of New Jersey’s first female boxing promoters.

Shabazz says that she got her start because of King and Muhammad Ali. She says that King taught her the importance of giving back to the community.