Operation Turkey prepares thousands of Thanksgiving meals for Central Texans
The organization was founded in Austin almost 20 years ago and has since expanded to a handful of other states.
Austin, Texas – Operation Turkey feeds and clothes people suffering from homelessness and financial hardship in Austin and over 20 other cities across the country on Thanksgiving Day.
It began in Austin nearly 20 years ago and has spread to seven states and 29 cities.
A total of 50,000 turkeys are to be served this year.
Serving so many people requires a lot of preparation, so hundreds of volunteers began preparations at the Turkey Tailgate on Wednesday. The Tailgate is an all-day event that sees hundreds of turkeys seasoned and smoked and donations sorted out before Thanksgiving.
Arash Saberi owns Spinners Bar and Grill in north Austin. On Wednesday, volunteers with several smokers gathered to prepare and smoke 300 turkeys, starting as early as 6 a.m
“I like to do things for the community,” Saberi said. “I’ve been here in this place for 10 years and the community has always supported me, supported me through COVID, through everything, and I love doing what I can.”
On Thanksgiving, meals are then prepared and distributed in four different Austins Locationsas well as in Round rock and cedar park. According to the organization’s website, the group is 100% volunteer-run and has more than 35,000 volunteers dedicated to helping those in need receive a hot Thanksgiving meal.
Saberi said this is his fifth year as a volunteer with Operation Turkey.
“Thanksgiving is appreciating and being thankful for the things you have and sharing them with others,” Saberi said.
This year, Operation Turkey is hosting events in four different states, with another four states planning to participate in 2023.
https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/operation-turkey-thanksgiving-meals-central-texas/269-cccad44a-621a-4834-8414-2d29c8d0ea97 Operation Turkey prepares thousands of Thanksgiving meals for Central Texans
