SHREVEPORT, La. — The Shreveport City Marshal’s Office helped brighten the holidays for local residents Friday morning by hosting its first annual turkey giveaway.
In partnership with Walmart, deputies distributed 100 turkeys to families in need. City Marshal Charlie Jefferson said the initiative was sparked by his deputies, who witnessed the financial struggles of local residents firsthand while working in the field.
“My deputies, they ride the streets every day serving papers… and they see the need in the community,” Jefferson said. “When they came to me, they said, ‘Boss, can we do something special for Christmas?'”
Jefferson noted that Walmart was quick to support the cause, providing the poultry to ensure 100 families would have a centerpiece for their holiday meals.
“It’s hard times, especially at this time [of year],” Jefferson said. “We do our part to make sure somebody has something to eat so we know we’re doing our part in the community.”
The Marshal’s Office plans to make the giveaway a yearly tradition. Jefferson said he is already looking forward to expanding the program to serve even more families next year.