Oak Lawn Car Dealer Gives Away Free Turkeys

In what may be one of the greatest giveaways in gobbler history, an Oak Lawn car dealership is giving away over 1,000 turkeys -- no questions asked -- to the public for Thanksgiving.

Mancari’s Chrysler Jeep and Dodge, 4630 W. 95th St., Oak Lawn, started handing out birds last week and still has ample supply left for anyone who wants one.

“Mr. Frank Mancari has been in the industry and area for over 40 years. It’s purely 100 percent philanthropic,” said Gray Scott, marketing director for Mancari’s. “He has always had a joy of giving back to his local community.”

So far, Mancari’s has given away about 800 turkeys.

“We’ve had people stop by from as far away as Naperville and Aurora,” Scott said. “A member of a PTA in Chicago came by and picked up 15 turkeys for families in the school.”

There is no catch -- except that if you want your bird ready for Thanksgiving, you better grab one by Saturday and start defrosting it.

“People don’t have to do anything,” Scott said. “We pretty much hand them out. There is no test drive and no prior purchase from Mancari’s is required. We just want to break bread and enjoy the greatest gift we have, which is family.”

Those who pick up a turkey will be asked to leave their email address and contact information, but not to be added to a marketing list. Mancari’s just wants to wish turkey recipients a blessed Thanksgiving.

“That’s not the purpose of this,” Scott said. “We just want to wish families a love-filled day and help people out.”