Stew Leonard's Gives Away Thousands Of Turkeys To Those In Need

NORWALK, CT – The "world's largest dairy store" apparently also has the world's largest heart, as the store gave away thousands of turkeys Thursday to those in need. As part of its 39th annual Turkey Brigade, team members gave out 2,500 turkeys to over 100 organizations throughout communities with a store location.

Stews Leonard's has locations in Norwalk, Danbury and Newington, as well as three New York stores.

"[The Turkey Brigade] is something that the Leonard family does every year to give back to the communities that support our stores throughout the year," Director of Public Relations Meghan Bell said.

According to Bell, the charities that applied for the turkeys range from senior centers to local school groups and even nutrition programs. The organizations apply over the summer and specify what their need is.

On Thursday morning, about a dozen team members braved the pre-snow cold and handed out turkeys at the Norwalk store to a literal line of charities.

“Basically the charities line up in their cars and we have our team members just unloading the turkeys out of a big tractor-trailer truck and putting them in the trunks of the cars," Bell said. "Then they’ll be given to families and other groups who otherwise would not have a turkey next week.”

Though this special moment starts off "very, very busy" due to the line of people, Bell said the event is one of the highlights of the year for both the company and it's team members.

"It’s a really feel-good event, something that the entire company looks forward to every year," Bell said. "It was so cold today so it especially felt very holiday spirited with everybody bundled up and helping out."

Thanks to Stews, many people in need will be able to sit down to a delicious Thanksgiving turkey dinner next week, something the company takes great pleasure in.

"The company has grown, we have six stores now, but at our roots we are a family-owned business," Bell said. "The Leonard family, they operate and own the store. I think charitable giving is really kind of interwoven into the company’s fabric, and this is a great way for our team members to get excited about it. This is a great way to give back to the community, and I think it’s just something we are always going to do."

When asked if the Leonard family's six stores were prepared for the inevitable holiday grocery shopping rush to come this weekend into next week, Bell said they were "totally prepared" for the inevitable.

"This is it; this is our Superbowl the next six weeks or so," Bell said. "We’re going to sell about a million pounds of turkey. Our catering business has actually really been on the rise the last few years, so each of our stores’ culinary teams are getting ready too."

The only day any Stew Leonard's store closes is Christmas Day, so anyone with a Stews in their community looking to do some last minute shopping Thanksgiving Eve or Day will be able to do so. Check the store's website for hours.

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Photo credit: RJ Scofield