Three Cheers letter: Operation Turkey Swap went well

The first Operation Turkey Swap was a huge success. One hundred and twenty-four turkeys and enough canned food were donated to give generously to each family.

There are many to thank for the huge success. The businesses that gave us space for barrels for food donations were Neighbors Pizza, Moose Lodge, Olivehurst Drug Store, Duke's Diner, Grumpy's and Senior Center.

The community came together to help but a few families deserve a special thank you. First, Rebel and Elma Townsend and their daughters worked to separate food, cook and deliver. Angie and Ron Gates, their daughter and grandson worked tirelessly. Andy Foster and his boys, also, worked their tails off cooking and throwing turkeys.

We, also, have to thank a couple of very special businesses. Neighbors Pizza not only made space for a donation barrel, they offered $1 off the price of pizza for each can of food donated up to $5.

I lost count of how many times that barrel had to be emptied.

Without Recology, the drive would not of been nearly as successful as it was. Not only did they donate canned food and turkeys, but when they heard what we were up to, they donated the pasta dinner that was swapped for a turkey.

Lastly, a big thank you to the Moose Lodge for sponsoring the drive and allowing us to use the lodge for the event.

Without the kindness and generosity of many these people, 124 families would not have been blessed with a Thanksgiving meal.

Dennise Burbank

Olivehurst