FAIRBORN — The Fairborn FISH Food Pantry is gearing up to feed approximately 2,000 individuals through its annual turkey giveaway.
The turkey giveaway will feature up to 550 turkeys and is slated to begin at noon Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the pantry, 1149 N. Broad St. However, Fairborn FISH Food Pantry officials Bill and Jane Doorley said individuals tend to begin lining up as early as 8 a.m. Individuals will need to bring some form of identification, which could be as straightforward as a piece of mail, to be a recipient of the giveaway.
The giveaway will not only include a turkey, but additionally all of the Thanksgiving fixins’ to create a traditional dinner. The turkey giveaway will include a turkey, instant potatoes, stuffing, vegetables, fruits and holiday pies.
“FISH has been doing this for a decade,” Jane said. “Each year, it grows and we reach more people. That makes us happy.”
The Doorleys said they understood that some individuals will be unable to make it out of the house. Therefore, the FISH Food Pantry partnered with the Fairborn Senior Center to offer meal deliveries on Monday, Nov. 25 as part of the turkey giveaway.
The turkey giveaway comes to life with the help of multiple churches, private individuals and community organizations, the Doorleys said. Pies are being donated by the Fairborn United Methodist Church, Byron Church and First Baptist Church. Faircreek Church is also helping with donations. Other local organizations, such as the local Boy Scout of America Troop, volunteer their time bagging up groceries.
Jane explained that FISH buys the turkeys for a discounted rate and that one individuals, who she described as an “angel,” donated funds this year to make the purchase a reality.
“It’s inspiring to get calls where the person goes ‘hey, what do you need? I want to help.’ They come from all walks of life and they just want to help,” Jane said. “It really speaks well on Fairborn. It’s truly a tight-knit community that helps each other — everyone steps up to the plate.”
