Salvation Army hands out free turkeys

FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) -- Hundreds of local families are getting help with their Thanksgiving meals this year, thanks to the Salvation Army.

On Friday, people lined up at the Fall River Salvation Army to pick-up a free turkey and sides.

"If it wasn't for them, we wouldn't be having turkey. We wouldn't be having anything," said Laurie Gray, who took advantage of the turkey giveaway for the first time, to help feed her family of three.

"Because I need the help. Times are tough, they're really tough."

Major Betty Deming of the Salvation Army says demand for Thanksgiving turkeys has skyrocketed since she and her husband took over seven years ago.

"When we first arrived, we were doing about 400 families. And now we're doing about 1700 or 1800 families," Deming told Eyewitness News.

Those families signed up in October for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, which include more than just a turkey.

"Instant potatoes, and we have stuffing, and vegetables," says Deming.

The Salvation Army says it tries to provide families with everything they need for a traditional holiday meal, and encourages them to come back year after year.

"It's easy for our clients. They don't feel like they're begging. We want them to come and know that we want to help them, because that's who we are and what we do."

The Fall River Salvation Army will continue to accept donations next week for those still in need of a last-minute Thanksgiving turkey.