Thanksgiving for SF residents with developmental disabilities

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- Thanksgiving came early for hundreds of Bay Area residents with developmental disabilities.

The Rotary Club of San Francisco prepared and served turkey meals on Tuesday to more than 300 individuals with Down syndrome, autism or other disabilities.

The luncheon at The Arc San Francisco was purposefully upbeat, with music and mood lighting.

For many of these individuals, this is the only holiday meal they will enjoy this year.

"A large majority of the clients that we serve don't have any family. Many of them live in boarding care or situations where they are just living in a congregate setting. So, we are their family and this is a really special event," Arc CEO Dr. Glenn Motola said.

The Arc provides education, health and employment services for 700 people with developmental disabilities in San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin Counties.