400 Turkeys Fly Out Our Door
Dec 10, 2008
Our sign noted turkeys would be handed out at 4:00, but Mardelt Coley wanted to make sure one of them went home with her. So she came to the Oak Park River Forest Food Pantry at 11:00 to be first in line. Mardelt and a few other hearty, patient souls did more than just wait. They eagerly chipped in to help set up the 150-person waiting area and even helped carry in an unexpected large donation from local William Beye Elementary School.
We were thrilled to hand out 400 turkeys to pantry clients this year. Last year, we could only manage 40. But increased community awareness of need, coupled with more detailed strategic planning, has meant the OPRF Food Pantry had more funds for purchasing food in 2008. It couldn’t have come at a better time. The recent economic downturn has resulted in a burgeoning number of families seeking assistance at the pantry. This November, the pantry saw a 100% increase in visits over November 2007.
We were so pleased with the results of the Great Turkey Give Away that we will distribute even more Holiday Hams in December.