Darlington’s Annual Turkey Giveaway seeks sponsors

Turkey Giveway from previous years. Photo by Samantha Lyles

Turkey Giveway from previous years.
Photo by Samantha Lyles

The generosity of Darlington will be displayed once again as the annual Turkey Giveaway is held for the 12th year on Tuesday, November 24 at 7 a.m. in downtown Darlington around the Square.

By Jana E. Pye, Editor, editor@newsandpress.net

The event originated from an idea by Dr. David Eads, a Darlington chiropractor and another former member of the Darlington Chamber of Commerce, former resident and retired NBA member Tom Hammonds. Hammonds told Eads about his teammates donating turkeys, and the idea to recreate that tradition here in Darlington was born, as a way for businesses to help families celebrate Thanksgiving.

In addition to a frozen turkey, community members receive canned food items and drinks to help serve their family during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Eads stresses each year that volunteers don’t ask people if they need the turkey; “That’s not for us to judge. Things are bad for many families. If you are willing to wait out in the cold that time of the morning, you probably need that turkey.”

One free, frozen 10-12 lb. turkey feeds 3-4 people; if Eads’ goal of 1500 turkeys is given out, potentially 4,500 – 6,000 people may be fed by providing these turkeys this year.

And of course, as many thrifty mothers know, many leftovers, sandwiches and soup can be made from a single turkey!
Approximately 30 – 50 volunteers arrive to help each year, which begins at 6:00 in the morning. The atmosphere is what is best described as jolly, as people enjoy the camaraderie while unloading the turkeys from the truck in assembly style. Eads extends a special thanks to the City of Darlington Police Department for their assistance each year.

Each year a faithful core of sponsors assist with the purchase of the frozen turkeys and canned goods, with new contributors joining each year.

Sponsorships are available for the event in the following levels:
• Event Sponsor $1500
• Gold Sponsor: $500
• Silver Sponsor: $250

For more information about sponsoring the Annual Turkey Giveaway on the Square, contact Dr. David Eads at 843-393-1105. Contributions may be sent to his office, 208 Cashua St., Darlington S.C. 29532. Make checks out to The Lord Cares, with Turkey Giveaway in the subject line. All donations are tax deductible.

“We hope to give out 1500 turkeys this year, as well as can foods and drinks.” said Eads. “Thank you for your support in the past, and we look forward to your help this year.”

Author: Jana Pye

Share This Post On

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
x
6
Posts Remaining