Hundreds of local families went home with free Thanksgiving fare on Saturday morning, thanks to a local turkey giveaway at the Carrie J. Mays Community Center.
Deborah Robinson, director of the CSRA Community Outreach Initiative and an event coordinator, said that the 300 turkeys up for grabs were provided by the Anthony Bradley Outreach Ministry (ABOM) out of Atlanta.
“This has really got a smile on my face,” said Robinson. “Traffic’s been coming since early this morning…it’s just unreal.”
Tables of canned and boxed goods were also available for guests, providing visitors with everything necessary for a traditional holiday meal.
Bradley shares his “why”
Anthony Bradley, the creator of ABOM and a member of Antioch East Baptist Church in Ellenwood, said his devotion to giving back to communities in need comes from a three month stint of homelessness that he faced in the early 1980s.
“It’s dear to my heart for me to just reach back and give back to the community,” said Bradley. “I know what it’s like.”
This is the fifth time that Bradley’s ministry has hosted a free turkey giveaway.
He added that Augusta’s current state after Hurricane Helene is one reason why they chose to bring turkeys here this year.
“We knew that a storm hit here maybe like a month ago, so we knew people were in somewhat dire need,” he said.
“We came down here to show love,” added Niyoutha Ross, an evangelist with Antioch East. “This is what it’s all about – sharing love, showing love and giving love back to the community. Amen!”
Paula’s Table
Alongside the turkey giveaway, Augusta-based non-profit Universal Restoration Ministry in Action (URMIA) had tables full of free clothing which guests were also free to take.
Paula Clark with URMIA brought a unique display to the event – a table covered with inspirational signs meant to uplift visitors. Clark said she likes to bring out this display, which she calls “Paula’s Table,” for every event that she’s able to.
“Sometimes we all fall into hard times,” said Clark. “I just have a passion and love for people, and helping people.”
Clark also included a selection of free Bibles and devotional books for community members to take.
