ST. LOUIS – The American Legion Post 422 in Soulard prepared a warm Thanksgiving meal for heroes.

"I was alone, and I just thought, ‘Hey, why not go out and have Thanksgiving dinner amongst people?’" Vietnam-era veteran Timithy Fisher said.

The post has put this meal together for three years now.

"When they're together, they can just open up and relax, and they know that they're with someone that's been through what they've been through," post Vice Commander Eric Marlinghouse said.

Meanwhile, downtown, Edward Lee did not have to have Thanksgiving alone.

"I'm all to myself. I got God, that's it. These services and connections right here—these are the people that help me," Lee, a man experiencing homelessness off and on since childhood, said.

Minister Larry Rice with New Life Evangelistic Center provided not only a delicious meal but also hand warmers, tents, and other necessities for people experiencing homelessness.

"We need to thank God and show that gratitude by helping out so many who are hurting," Rice said.

Lee was able to get some bus passes to help get him back on his feet.

"It's going to get me from A-Z to work and some classes that I'm taking," Lee said.

The people hosting these meals could use some help, too. Rice says people aren't donating like they used to. And the American Legion needs to raise money, too, to stay in its Soulard home.

Andrea Maddox-Dallas has helped start a campaign, hoping to raise at least $4,000 by the end of the year.

"There are so many events here. It's really a neighborhood hub, and we just need to help them keep it open. They deserve it. They served our country, and now it's time for us to give back and help them," she said.

"It lets you know you're not alone," Fisher said.

The support helps Fisher and other vets know they always have family around for the holidays.