St. Louis Urban League spreads holiday cheer with turkey giveaway

ST. LOUIS – Cars were lined up for several blocks Tuesday to take advantage of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway.

The event is an ongoing effort to assist those facing food insecurity while ensuring that all families can enjoy the holiday.

Hundreds of volunteers gathered to assist Urban League, saying they enjoy putting the smiles on the faces of families in need.

“It’s a big plus. It helps people—it helps me, I know,” Lawrence Taylor said.

The organization partnered with Schnucks to hand out turkeys at Urban League’s regional headquarters.

“We’re always grateful for the ability to manifest (this) for thousands of people in one day. But we do it every single day at all our offices across the region,” President and CEO of Urban League Michael McMillan said.

Shawna Collier was one of many volunteers to roll up her sleeves and give back to the community.

“To be able to feed (people) and what Mike is doing at the Urban League, it is my pleasure. I volunteer all the time,” she said.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones says she is grateful for the group’s continued generosity.
 
“It’s a blessing to have people that want to be able to help others in need. God is great; God is blissful,” recipient Randy Hill said. Another recipient, Donna Willis, added, “I’m very grateful, because otherwise, some people would not have a Thanksgiving.”