Salvation Army Gives Thanksgiving Turkeys To Thankful Seniors, Families

News9.com

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The Salvation Army distributed free turkeys to senior citizens Tuesday morning.

The Central Oklahoma Area Command gave frozen turkeys, juice, side dishes and desserts to about 200 seniors. The organization will do the same Wednesday for 200 more families. Ashley Jones, the Director of Social Services, said a lot of families are struggling, so The Salvation Army wanted to help them enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

"With the state of the economy right now it's very challenging for seniors as well as families just trying to make ends meet," said Jones. "We're having to turn away about 30 percent that have requested services from The Salvation Army. And we anticipate that need will grow as we get closer to the Christmas season."

The turkeys were donated by Honeysuckle's More to Share Program. The Salvation Army also provided Thanksgiving meals for people's pets, thanks to donations from the Oklahoma City Pet Food Pantry.

The Salvation Army will hold its traditional brunch on Thanksgiving day at the Coca-Cola Event Center in Oklahoma City from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.