SYRACUSE -- One local church has been working all year to make sure the needy and hungry in the city of Syracuse will have a turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner.
One thousand turkeys were handed out Sunday afternoon at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. This event has become so large, the River of Life Church, who holds it, moved the giveaway from their building on James Street to the Oncenter. The turkeys are paid for with a $1,000 donation from Walmart, and donations from neighbors.
Some waited in line since 6:30 AM just to have a chance to provide a Thanksgiving dinner for their family this week. Many who came Sunday say without the help from the church, it simply wouldn't be possible. Earline Jones, of Syracuse, says, "It's a big deal to me, yes, because I'm low income. So whatever can come to me, I'm willing to accept. I'm very thankful, I got my life and now I'll have food to put on my table Thanksgiving night.
Organizers say the ultimate goal is to take the Turkey giveaway and move it to multiple locations statewide. With this year just wrapping up, they'll take planning next year's giveaway one day at a time.
