Over 1,000 turkeys given away in Thanksgiving meal donation event in Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – While the cost of a Thanksgiving dinner is down from last year, many people are still struggling to come up with the money for it.

Visionary Youth and the Malone Center helped give over 1,000 turkeys to people in need on Sunday at the fourth annual Community Outreach Holiday Meal Giveaway.

“When I rolled into town this morning to get ready for this event, the line was already wrapped around the corner,” Visionary Youth President Lawrence Chatters said.

He said the demand showed that there is still a significant need in Lincoln.

People receiving meals said the price of food makes it hard to make ends meet.

“Food is so ridiculously expensive right now… We’re getting a large turkey for free, and it’s going to feed our whole family,” said Joshua, a meal recipient.

He said without the free meal, he most likely would have had to spend rent money in order to eat.

Recipients said this meal would help them bring their families together.

Michelle said all her children and grandchildren will be at the dinner.

“We’re just going to hang out and cook, and hopefully some friends show up because we always have an open-door policy, and it (the meal donation) makes sure we’ll have enough for everybody that shows up.”

The giveaway wouldn’t have been possible without the donation of over $16,000 from the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

That was the most money the frat has ever raised for the event.

The donation also helped purchase socks, underwear and winter clothing for everyone who walked through the line.