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In many cities and hamlets across the USA, the ol’ Tom Turkey is most often associated with Thanksgiving. But, around Pike County, Turkeys from Heaven are first and foremost in the minds of many around Christmas time.

For the sixth year, Turkeys from Heaven will reach out to families that are less fortunate or, perhaps, unable to prepare a meal for themselves.

In 2014, Kelly Sanders organized the Turkeys from Heaven program in Troy. The number of turkey meals delivered has grown from 200 to 500. And, this year, the location for the preparation and distribution of the Christmastime meals has moved to Cattleman Park.

Sanders said Cattleman Park is ideal as a central location for the smoking of the turkeys, the assemble of the meals and as a point for delivery.

On Sunday, Turkeys from Heaven volunteers will meet at Cattleman Park on Highway 231 to smoke turkeys, make green bean casseroles, pack rolls, cranberry sauce and desserts and deliver 500 Christmas meals throughout Pike County and into Crenshaw and Bullock counties.

Sanders said Turkeys from Heaven has been blessed by the giving sprit of so many.

“People have been so generous in the purchase of turkeys that we are close on the number needed and also on the ingredients for the casseroles,” Sanders said. “We are so thankful that those needs are being met.

“The real need now is for volunteers on Sunday but I have faith that we will have the volunteers we need to assemble the casseroles and pack the meals on Sunday morning and make the deliveries in the afternoon.”

The casseroles will be assembled on Sunday morning at Cattleman Park and the delivery of the meals will begin at 1 p.m. There will be an on-site morning worship services for volunteers.

“Our hope is that families will come after church and deliver Turkeys from Heaven meals together,” Sanders said. “Those who deliver the meals always say they are blessed to have the opportunity to share Christmas in this special way.”

Although it is not necessary to sign up to deliver meals, it is greatly appreciated. Sign up on the   TurkeysfromHeaven-Troy Facebook page and fill out the volunteer form or call Sanders at 372-4576, Janet Rawls at 372-0559 or Taylor Jinright at 268-1051.Those who would like to assist with cooking turkeys or running a grill, may contact Charles Rawls at Treecop62@gmail.com or 372-1907.

Sanders said non-refrigerated desserts are also needed and appreciated. The desserts may be delivered to Cattleman Park between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday.