BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. — Hundreds of turkeys were handed out over the weekend thanks to the love and generosity of local groups and churches.
Allen Tipping, the manager of growth and community engagement at Molina Healthcare, described the need for affordable food options in South Carolina, especially a week before Thanksgiving.
"Groceries cost more than they did last year, and a lot of times, people's pay and income hasn't changed and kept up with the increases, so every little bit helps," Tipping said.
His company partnered with Lexington School District Four on Saturday to hand out over 300 turkey meals to families in the Swansea area.
"We've had a pretty steady line of cars coming through," Tipping said. "We're just excited; anytime you're able to help in a time of need, especially around the holidays, people are really thankful for that."
High school students and members of Molina and the school district volunteered to help pass out the turkeys at Sandhills Middle School. Tipping says local churches also donated sides and other dishes to the families.
George Jeffcoat got his meal at Sandhills Middle School and says it'll be a leg up for hosting his family this year.
"My kids are coming to town, so that'll be a big help," he said.
In Blythewood, members of the Golden Rule Food Pantry saw a line that wrapped around the church at 7 am! They also gave away close to 100 turkeys plus side dishes to families.
"We do realize that some people don't have the finances to put towards their Thanksgiving dinners, so we prep those boxes just to help families out so they wouldn't have to go without eating for Thanksgiving," Alice Frazier, a volunteer, said.
They say the call to serve is rooted in their faith and plan to host more giveaways after the large turnout this weekend.
"People are hungry during holidays; people are hungry every day, so we as Christians should try to feed every day," Julius Frazier said.