We are about a week away from Thanksgiving, and many local charities are stepping up to help those in need. News 12 visited a turkey drive in Brooklyn's Prospect Lefferts Gardens where organizers there say some people were lined up in the cold for hours.

Some lined up as early as 4:30 a.m. outside of St. Francis of Assisi - St. Blaise Parish hoping to get one of the hundreds of turkeys being given away.

Monsignor Alfred Lopinto of Catholic Charities Brooklyn & Queens says the long lines show just how much of a need there is.

"In this country, people have to be lining up like this for food. It's a disgrace," he says.

At the same time, he says it gives them an opportunity to give back.

"We extend the gift of the gospel because as a faith community, our commitment is to the well-being of the people."

In the coming days, they'll be giving away close to 3,000 turkeys plus vouchers for food. This year, they're also giving the COVID-19 and flu vaccines and testing for COVID in partnership with Trinity Pharmacy.

Gabriella and Alphonse Catanese donated 700 of the turkeys being given away over the next couple of days.

"My dad started it, and he always said you take care of people during the holidays," said Alphonse.

The monsignor had this message for those with no choice but to wait in line: "My message is hope that in this situation, there are people who care and who are willing to walk with you through the struggle of the moment."

They plan to hold more drives in the coming days.