RALEIGH COUNTY, WV (WOAY) – The Salvation Army of Beckley did what they do best, giving back — providing 300 Thanksgiving dinners to local needy families to ensure no one goes hungry this holiday season.
“We were supposed to start at 1 pm. We actually started at 12:30, passing out turkeys,” said Captain Liz Blusiewicz. “We probably already had about 50 people come through the line, being able to bless families with all the fixings and a beautiful turkey.”
The free Thanksgiving Food Box program (for those who register) can change the trajectory of the holiday for so many in the community.
“And me, myself. This time of year, especially. I mean, a lot of people lost their food stamps and everything,” Beckley Resident Charles Asbury said. “This means a lot that you’re doing this. This is a good thing for people, especially around Beckley.”
The food box is filled with a full Thanksgiving meal: instant mashed potatoes, stuffing, canned veggies, muffin mix, and more, including a turkey. It’s among the 300 meals the Salvation Army of Beckley has already assembled this year. And every single one was spoken for.
This food drive couldn’t have come at a better time, with people still recovering from the government shutdown.
“It makes me feel good that they’re giving away things, because a lot of people need it,” said Beckley Resident Cindy Robbins. “It’s rough. At least everybody’s helping out. We’ve gotten a lot of help.”
There was abundant gratefulness for such generosity. That shows when the community comes together.
“When we’re here to be a friendly neighbor, we’re here to help. And when people give that gratitude back, it just fills us,” Captain Liz said. “For me, it restores my hope in humanity that there are still kind people in the world.”
