Thousands of those in need near Fayetteville didn't have to go without a taste of home on Thanksgiving. | Shutterbug75/Pixabay
Thousands of those in need near Fayetteville didn't have to go without a taste of home on Thanksgiving. | Shutterbug75/Pixabay
Operation Turkey landed in Fayetteville over Thanksgiving weekend, and with the help of the 82nd Airborne Association, the two groups teamed up to feed thousands of homeless people a turkey dinner.
About 100 volunteers showed up on Thanksgiving Day to help.
"We've been putting it together and pushing out as hard as we can to support the community,” Venassia Gunter, the lead volunteer coordinator for Operation Turkey Fayetteville, told ABC 11 News.
They had an ambitious goal, aiming to give out 8,000 meals in Cumberland County and even more in other parts of North Carolina. The menu included mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, yams, cranberry sauce and, of course, turkey.
"Everything has a touch of home to it,” Gunter told ABC 11 News. “You put your special touch on everything. Once you fix it for the community, just think of it as if you're fixing it for your family."
With the goal of helping 8,000 people, the groups collected 8,000 pounds of turkey, either through sponsorships or donations from individuals and community partners.
The primary objective was to help vulnerable people, like the homeless or those who are sick or confined to their homes, but anyone who signed up or came to the Operation's Fayetteville location on Johnson Street could receive a Thanksgiving meal.
This year, the groups also collected blankets that were distributed to help keep the needy warm once winter sets in.
"I've seen a lot of people who, unfortunately, they can't afford to celebrate Thanksgiving due to financial status or something they've been through, so it feels good to give everybody a nice meal because they deserve it,” volunteer Landon Farley said.
And it just gives participants that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from helping others.
"It's a beautiful experience,” volunteer Josann John told ABC 11 News. “Just being around a multi-diverse community here. Fort Bragg is out here, the Air Force is out here and we're just doing what we can to help our community."
Sgt. Christopher Longoria said it was good to feel like he was contributing.
"It's always good for people to get out in the community — not just for (those in need), but for themselves," Longoria told ABC 11 News. “It gives you a sense of purpose. It gives you something that you feel good about. It doesn't feel like you did nothing for the holidays."
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