Louisville Councilman Yates Announces Results Of The 4th Annual Friendsgiving Turkey Drive

Press release from the City of Louisville:

November 24, 2020

Louisville – Councilman David Yates (D-25) joined entertainer Dusty Leigh to announce more than 300 turkeys have been donated to families in the Southwest Louisville area this Thanksgiving.

“With COVID-19 and economic uncertainty, I was worried this year’s drive would help less families. Thanks to Dusty, Shirley’s Way, our local businesses and corporate sponsor, Kroger, we are happy to announce over 300 families in need will get to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving turkey,” said Councilman Yates.

Four years ago, Leigh began this initiative to benefit families in need during the holiday season.

“I started this to help give back to my community and make a difference for families that are having a tough time during the holidays,” said Leigh. “This is about helping the people of our city and showing them that there are people who care and want to help.”

Shirley’s Way, a local non-profit, focused on helping families battling cancer make financial ends meet, hosted the Friendsgiving Turkey Drive donation page: http://FriendsGivingTurkeyDrive.com

“Shirley’s Way is about giving back and making a difference. David & Dusty’s turkey drive was just one more way we could do something positive for our end of town,” said Mike Mulrooney, founder of Shirley’s Way.

The Councilman was also joined by Clare Wallace, the Executive Director of South Louisville Community Ministries who helped identify the families to receive a turkey.

“Our South Louisville, Southwest and Shively Area Community Ministries are the unsung heroes to those struggling,” said Yates. “If you didn’t donate to the turkey drive but want to help out now, please consider donating to your local ministries. With COVID-19 and many families out of work, they depend on these donations especially during the holiday season.”

Tony Sacra, Commander of the Community Engagement Unit of LMPD led his brothers in blue to deliver the donated turkeys to the families identified by the area Community Ministries.

“Tony is no stranger to our community. He served at Valley High School as the School Resource Officer and is first class,” said Councilman David Yates. “I appreciate his team helping us make these surprise deliveries and getting to see the smiles on the faces of families, especially during this difficult time.”

Patrick Bissig and the Louisville Dream Center also accepted one-hundred turkeys to serve to families at Life Church Louisville, 4413 E. Pages Lane. In 2020 the Dream Center has distributed nearly 200 tons of food to residents of the 40258, 40272 and surrounding zip codes in the fight against hunger.

“Our mission is to be a community of support, providing free resources and services that address hunger, homelessness, mental health, poverty, addiction, abuse, education and employment,” said Bissig. “This incredible donation will serve so many appreciative people and families.”

COVID-19 severely limited the amount of donations for this year’s drive. Kroger, a true community partner, stepped up by doubling their donation from last year, contributing $1,000 to help make this year successful.

“Kroger came through for us to ensure even with COVID-19 that this year’s drive would be as successful as last year’s, with over 300 turkeys,” said Yates. “I can’t thank them enough for looking out for our community and recognizing the impact these turkeys can have on a family in need.

The Friendsgiving Turkey Drive was a massive success with over 300 turkeys purchased and donated. For further questions or inquiries on this event please contact Councilman David Yates’ office at (502) 574-1125.

This press release was produced by the City of Louisville. The views expressed here are the author’s own.