North Charleston, South Carolina – Thanksgiving arrived early in North Charleston, as volunteers, community leaders, and local organizations gathered to give back to their neighborhood.
Monday morning, the North Charleston Police Department distributed 350 free turkeys and gave hot lunches to take home. Officers and volunteers began cooking early in the morning to serve households a frozen turkey and a warm supper.
Later in the afternoon, hundreds of automobiles lined up at the Charleston County School District 4 Regional Stadium to receive their free turkey and groceries for the holiday week.
State Representative Wendell Gilliard and Project Cool Breeze collaborated to organize a drive-through giveaway. Volunteers distributed 2000 turkeys along with groceries, diapers, shoes, and other gifts.
“These people are in the holiday spirit and we’re grateful for that.” said Rep. Wendell Gilliard.
Volunteers stated that their goal was to support families beyond Thanksgiving Day.
“It’s for Thanksgiving and also to help people after Thanksgiving to make sure everyone has enough food,” explained Alyssa McNeil, a sophomore at West Ashley High School. “Especially with everything going on.”
They claimed many families had struggled financially this year, so organizers wanted to donate food for the coming weeks.
“We’ve got enough food to feed them beyond Thanksgiving,” said Cynthia Bell, an event volunteer. “We know that food insecurity is a daily occurrence. Every day should be a day of gratitude and generosity.”
For those who were unable to attend Monday’s giveaways, organizers have organized another drive-thru giveaway for Tuesday in Holly Hill, South Carolina.
