KILLEEN, Texas — For the first time ever, the volunteer organization Operation Turkey will be hosting their Thanksgiving Day meal giveaway for people living in Killeen, Harker Heights and Copperas Cove.
Operation Turkey is a volunteer organization consisting of more than 50,000 volunteers working together to ensure everyone receives a warm meal on Thanksgiving Day.
After volunteering with the organization last year, local philanthropist and entrepreneur Jennifer Johnson realized this was something the Killeen community needed too.
"I signed up last minute and I loved it," Johnson explained. "It was amazing. I had reached out and kept in contact with everyone all year and then I had reached out about being a city leader."
Johnson was able to become the city leader for the Killeen area, with the job of organizing the food, prepping the food and delivering the meals to those in need.
"We have about 70 volunteers but there's a lot of different things that go into it," Johnson said.
Since it's the first year Operation Turkey will be in Killeen, the organization raised the funds needed to buy the meals from the distributor. Each meal cost $3.50 and they're looking to feed 1,000 families with a hot meal on Thanksgiving.
Johnson added how this wouldn't be possible without the help of local sponsors Band of Brothers, The Charming Haven and New Life Village. They are helping cook the turkeys, prep the food and host events in their facilities.
"You hear about these things that happen and I'm sure that there are other organizations in the area that are doing something similar," Johnson added. "But there truly is just so many people that are in need and you just don't necessarily know."
The hope for Johnson and the volunteers is to start a tradition where Operation Turkey visits the Killeen area every Thanksgiving.
On Wednesday, Nov. 27, there will be a turkey tailgate at The Charming Haven, located at 5505 S Fort Hood St, Killeen, TX 76542.
The event goes from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. and volunteers will smoke turkeys and make preparations for the meals that will be served on Thanksgiving Day. They will also be accepting donations for care packages during this time.
Then, on Thursday, Nov. 28, Operation Turkey will take place at 704 E Veterans Memorial Blvd, Killeen, TX 76541.
This is the big event where volunteers prepare, package and deliver meals to the homeless and less fortunate. Volunteers are asked to register on their website to ensure they receive informational emails with details of volunteering.