Turkey giveaways held in the Triangle ahead of Thanksgiving

Families in need across the Triangle who needed a turkey for the Thanksgiving table on Thursday were in luck over the weekend. There were several turkey giveaways Saturday and Sunday.

Including one put on by Clinton football legend and former UNC running back Willie Parker.

Sunday Parker's charity group, 39 Legends Foundation, handed out the Thanksgiving staple during the foundation's annual Thanksgiving turkey drive.

"it's about giving back to the community showing them that we are here for them," said Parker. "You give love in order to receive love."
And they did exactly that, handing out 150 turkeys.

Another giveaway was held in Durham all thanks to Carlos LVitto-O'Briant. He used his business to help distribute 100 turkeys.

But he says Sunday is just a start.

"We're going to start right here with a city that made me and we're going to go beyond," said O'Briant.

Growing up in Durham, O'Briant knows the need. That's why he partnered with other non-profits in the area to help out.

"it's rewarding, but again I feel like I can do so much more. A turkey, I wish I could give you a whole meal which that will come in the future," said O'Briant. "I can sleep well knowing that someone, even if we gave one turkey to one person, would not go hungry on Thanksgiving."

Saturday, The Dream Center in Raleigh gave out 1,100 turkeys plus the sides to go with it. Todd Massey knows our area needs the help

"The food hunger here in the area is obviously high," said Massey.

According to Feeding America, 1.4 million people are food insecure in North Carolina including 1 in 5 children.

"We know a turkey that's going to fill them up for a day," said Massey. "They are absolutely loving it."

Since the pandemic began The Dream Center has given out 3.1 million meals.