SYRACUSE, NY (WSYR-TV) - The River of Life Family Church in Syracuse gave away 500 turkeys to people in need on Saturday.
The tradition began eight years ago with 50 turkeys and peaked last year at 1,000.
Volunteers handed the turkeys out on Saturday morning outside the church building on James Street.
“I read in the paper that 53% of the children in the Syracuse area are in poverty and that puts a tear in my heart. And so, I’m just thankful that we’re able to do something like this and can drop that percentage down at least for one day,“ said Pastor Danny Thornton.
People were asked to listen to a short message inside the church before picking up their free turkey.
The River of Life Family Church has been doing thanksgiving outreach, from making dinners to handing out turkeys, since 1990.
