Clayton News Daily

A local church has 70 turkeys it wants to give to needy families this holiday season.

Sacred Praise United Methodist Church, in Lovejoy, is eager to provide local families with a chance to have a plentiful holiday dinner, as Christmas and other festivities draw near, according to Harriett Holley, a church member. “I feel like I am feeding one of my own family members,” she said, of the turkey giveaway.

Pastor Bert Neal said families in need must have a ticket to collect their turkey on Saturday, Dec. 17, from 10 a.m., to noon, at the Lovejoy Community Center, 11622 Hastings Bridge Road. The nearest cross street is Talmadge Road.

To get a ticket, those interested must come to the Lovejoy Community Center today, Dec. 16, from 9, to 11 a.m., he said. Neal said the only information needed is basic contact data: Name, address and phone number. This is for the church’s use, so it can conduct a courtesy follow-up, the pastor said.

A total of 400 turkeys were donated to the church by Chick-fil-A, and 320 of them already have been given away to both church members and local families in need, said Neal.

Church member Holley said most people in need of a holiday meal are struggling financially, unemployed and/or are suffering from a long term illness, or injury. “I can’t wait ‘till Saturday,” she said. “I don’t think there is a greater feeling ... just seeing the joy on their faces.”

She said each turkey will come with non-perishable food items, such as a box of dressing, cranberry sauce, canned beans and canned corn.

For more information, contact Pastor Bert Neal at (770) 363-4701, or e-mail him at info@sacredpraiseumc.org.