The clang of serving spoons and the smell of fried turkey filled the air Thursday morning as volunteers with Angels of Long Island dished out hot meals to hundreds of neighbors in need. For many, like Samson Ayala of the Taino Jeep Club, spending Thanksgiving helping others has become its own tradition.

Ayala moved quickly between trays of mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, and mac and cheese, greeting guests as they arrived. “It means a lot,” he said. “We take things for granted, and since we’re blessed, we’re here to bless others.”

He was one of dozens of volunteers who gathered in Patchogue to help run the organization’s annual Thanksgiving feast. Now in its eighth year, the event offers a freshly prepared holiday meal at no cost — complete with fried turkey, fried chicken, all the fixings, and dessert. Every guest receives a hot plate on-site and a second meal to take home.

Local businesses services, and officers from the Suffolk County Police Department joined in to help serve, guide guests, and pack to-go meals. Organizers say the teamwork is part of what makes the day so special.

Debbie Loesch, founder of Angels of Long Island, moved through the crowd offering hugs, directing volunteers, and checking in on families. “That little saying, ‘Somebody should do something’ — well, I am somebody,” she said. “I think that if everybody does a little bit, just a little bit, this community, this Long Island community, is phenomenal. There’s lots to love.”

Last year, the group served 600 people, and Loesch expects even more this holiday season.