AUBURN GRESHAM — New Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church will be giving away 300 frozen turkeys on Saturday for the third consecutive Thanksgiving.
The Rev. Wayne Smith, pastor of the 200-member church at 8130 S. Racine Ave., will be distributing the birds between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Those interested in receiving a turkey on Saturday morning must have a coupon from one of the church members. Coupon holders can pick up a turkey starting at 10 a.m., while those without a coupon can receive a turkey beginning at noon.
"Each member was given two to three coupons to give to someone else. I try to teach my members to be a blessing to others as the Bible says we should do," Smith said. "Last year, the church gave away 200 turkeys and the year before that it was 150."
A free turkey is just what Val Marcelin said he needed this holiday.
"I am staying with some friends until I get myself together," said Marcelin, 65. "If I get a free turkey Saturday, I plan to give it to them to show my appreciation for taking me in when I did not have anywhere else to go."
Last November, St. Sabina Church in Auburn Gresham gave away free chickens, but will not be doing so this year.
But even if Marcelin does not get a turkey he could still enjoy a free meal on Thanksgiving Day.
The Salvation Army plans to give away to-go dinners at various locations citywide including in Englewood at the corner of 55th and Halsted streets at 4:30 p.m. and at the corner of 59th and Morgan streets at 5:20 p.m.
A sit-down Thanksgiving meal will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, 1515 W. Monroe St.
