The season of giving is here, and thousands of metro Atlanta households felt that spirit early Thursday morning as they hunkered down in their cars to receive free turkeys at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest. In partnership with V-103’s Big Tigger Morning Show and New Birth, 1-800-TruckWreck, powered by Witherite Law Group, held its fifth annual turkey giveaway, distributing 4,000 turkeys to families in need.
“Good morning! Happy Thanksgiving,” one of over 500 volunteers yelled as she loaded up a car with a basket full of food items such as breakfast foods, desserts, snacks, potatoes, bread, and, of course, a turkey.
Along with food baskets, those requesting prayer were pulled to the side to receive a blessing. The early morning was filled with music, giving, and celebration.
The giveaway comes at a time when many families are still feeling the financial repercussions of the government shutdown, from furloughed federal workers to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits being cut off. Although the shutdown has been lifted, SNAP recipients are still facing restrictions and threats of removal, with the Trump administration recently stating that it aims to ‘completely deconstruct’ the program.
Approximately 1.6 million Georgians receive SNAP benefits, including children, seniors, and adults with disabilities, according to the Georgia Department of Human Services.
“I think it’s even more special this year because there are so many more Atlanta families in need with the government shutdown, with the suspension of SNAP benefits. We just have to step up and do more, and I could not be more proud to partner with New Birth Missionary Baptist Church,” said Amy Witherite, founder of Witherite Law Group.
1-800TruckWreck typically gives away 2,000 turkeys during the giveaway. However, in support of the mission to help address food insecurity, the King’s Table at New Birth, a food distribution ministry, matched the donation by adding 2,000 more turkeys. That is over 100,000 in donations sponsored by the law group.
“I hope other people continue to step up. We certainly see the need, and we have increased our giving. We’ve got three other food pantries that we are giving $10,000 each to: one to Dorothy’s Helping Hands, one to Hosea Helps, and one as well to Good Samaritan Center. So, I’m really proud that we’re donating an additional $30,000 to help address the food insecurities right here in the Greater Atlanta area.”