WASHINGTON - This is a very special anniversary for one of Washington's most generous women. Imagene Stewart has been serving Thanksgiving dinners to the less fortunate for 45 years.

The Georgia native came to D.C. in the 1960s. Shortly after that, she fell on hard times and found herself homeless. Years later she bounced back and created a safe haven for the most needy. And even though today, her health is very weak, her labor of love is stronger than ever.

The loud music resounded through out the neighborhood and the smell of some good homemade soul food could be detected for blocks. With the help of her church and volunteers, Reverend Imagene Stewart was at it again, managing to host her annual Thanksgiving dinner.

Despite major hardships, including cancer and a recent stroke, this D.C. tradition of feeding the homeless is in its fourth decade.

"Even with that, I try not to give up," shared Stewart, with The Greater Pearly Gates Baptist Church.

Northeast resident Breelyn Pete is volunteering for the first time. She said, "You know, today is about Thanksgiving... Be a part of the community."

Much like she did in the 1970s when she started her non-profit homeless shelter, Stewart, now in her late 60's, promised to do some dancing this Thanksgiving. She did just that.

The city's most needy are having a chance to enjoy a warm meal from a warm hearted person who was once homeless herself. Stewart admits to spending many lonely nights sleeping on park benches in Northeast. She vowed that if she ever got back on her feet she would do something for others. She has been serving this Thanksgiving feast ever since.

She said, "I thank God that Washingtonians have been very good to me."

For many of men and women, Imagene has become family. Ernie Neal says she was not only filling his belly Thursday, but she was also replenishing a tremendous void in his life.

Neal shared, "To have a meal like this today with people that served today it's really a blessing to help the people that's homeless."

Stewart says she camouflages her pain with smiles. She knows her health is getting worse, but says with the help of God and volunteers she hopes to keep this Thanksgiving tradition going for many years.

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