TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The inaugural Turkey Drive proved to be a success!
WTXL teamed up with America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend, the Tallahassee Police Department and the Downtown Improvement Authority to collect turkey and cash donations Thursday, which will be given to local families in need this Thanksgiving.
The Turkey Drive began at 5:00 a.m. and lasted until 6:30 p.m. at Ponce De Leon Park in Downtown Tallahassee.
In total, the community donated 253 turkeys and $3,620 in cash, along with several canned good items.
Capital City Harley Davidson donated $161 dollars, the Tallahassee Fire Department donated 2 turkeys and $500, Dale Earnhardt Junior Chevrolet wrote a $500 check, and the Proctor dealerships donated several turkeys and a $1,000 check.
Stephanie Kilham, Director of Donor Relations for America's Second Harvest of the Big Bend says she is proud of the outpouring of support from the community.
"The community really came out and supported us today to really help those families who are struggling in hunger," said Kilham. "1 in 6 are questioning when their next meal is coming from but thanks to the outpouring support today, we have that answer. The meal is coming from the community and they too will truly have a happy Thanksgiving."
Kilham says the cash donations equate to 14,480 meals.
Those who were unable to donate during the Turkey Drive but would still like to donate turkeys, cash or their time can learn how to do so by going to fightinghunger.org.
