Polk Co. Sheriff's Office To Give Away Free Turkeys To Families

LAKELAND, FLA — With Thanksgiving approaching next week, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is making it possible for local families who may not know where their next meal is coming from to enjoy the holiday festivities.

The sheriff’s office announced Monday that its charitable foundation will be handing out free frozen turkeys to those who need financial assistance on Saturday. The turkeys will be distributed one per family, one per vehicle on a first-come, first-served basis as long as supplies last.

No identification or pre-qualification will be required to receive a turkey, the sheriff’s office said. Deputies will be at three locations throughout the day Saturday to hand out the free turkeys, which range in size from 15 to 17 pounds. Up to 1,200 turkeys will be given away as part of the charitable effort.

"We know that there are families out there who are struggling financially, and we want to do our small part to help out during the holidays,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said in a news release. “This is the fourth year in a row that we've been able to provide turkeys to our citizens, thanks to the generous donations made year-round to Polk Sheriff's Charities. It is so heartwarming to be able to make a positive difference in others' lives."

The turkey distribution will take place at the following locations on Saturday

• 9-10:30 a.m.
• Church on the Hill, 1111 Scenic Hwy, Dundee

Cars will be directed to enter the parking lot south of the church from Old Scenic Highway, then will be directed around the back of the church. Cars will then be directed to exit north onto Old Scenic Hwy towards Dundee.**

• 11-12:30 p.m.
• Lake Region High School, 1995 Thunder Road, Eagle Lake

Cars will be directed to enter onto Cameron Road from US 17, which turns into Gilbert Street, then onto Thunder Road, through the school parking lot to the distribution point, and back out onto Gilbert Street.

• 1-2:30 p.m.
• Lakes Church (The Church at the Mall), 1010 East Memorial Blvd, Lakeland

Cars will be directed to enter the parking lot from the westbound lane of Memorial at the intersection with Ingraham Avenue, and then will be directed to the rear parking lot of the church. Cars will be directed to exit westbound onto Memorial, or straight onto Ingraham Avenue.