300 turkeys arrived right on time from Sysco.
We also provided stuffing and canned goods to everyone.
One, (out of four) truck load of turkeys.
joined us to help give away turkeys.
Cars wrapped around Pohanka Toyota for their Christmas Dinner.
Adam Roop joined us and quite frankly had a blast.
Many Employees of the Pohanka Automotive Group helped the entire time.
Who would have ever thought that 300 turkeys would be a perfect number to give away to those families in need this Christmas. Well, it was. We were supposed to start at 5 PM and end at 7 PM but people were coming to Pohanka the entire day to see if they could get their free turkey.
At one point, (around 4 PM) cars were lining up, so much so we had to get started because we were afraid Rt. 13 would get backed up and cause a traffic problem. That being said, we started giving them away around 4 PM and we didn't stop until every last turkey was gone. Believe it or not, it ended right at 7 PM.
I mentioned I had gone to Giant and bought all of their corn and green beans, (yes, they even went into the back and brought out their stock from the back) and I also bought out everything WalMart North had for stuffing. So much so, we filled 6 pickup trucks worth of turkeys, stuffing and canned goods.
Some readers from Salisbury News stopped by and delivered additional food to distribute and we can't thank you enough! Out of hundreds of canned goods, there were only 4 cans left when we were done, so it worked out perfectly. Every single turkey was given away and I have to tell you, it was an unbelievable experience. Folks, I almost broke out into tears several times from so many who delivered stories about how many of these people had nothing to provide for their families this year. What a gift for me and the rest of those who helped make this possible.
I first want to thank our advertisers for making this possible. Without YOU, this would not have been possible. To my very dear friends at Pohanka Automotive Group, THANK YOU! Folks, these people stood in the freezing cold, (wind blowing like crazy) the entire time and helped load the turkeys and food and then handed them out wishing every single person a Merry Christmas and God Bless.
"Pay It Forward" is by far the greatest program I have even been a part of. Please remember our advertisers by buying local and giving back to your community. We are in very difficult times and the only way many can survive is by giving back and helping others. We are trying to set the bar for others to follow. Know that every single advertiser on SBYNews.com is doing just that. Pohanka also gives away $100.00 for every single car they sell to local non profits of your choosing and I believe they are well over $250,000.00 so far.
On a final note, Merry Christmas and God Bless to ALL of you.
View WMDT video of event.
http://www.wmdt.com/global/category.asp?c=201130&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5411014
View WMDT video of event.
http://www.wmdt.com/global/category.asp?c=201130&autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=5411014
Joe, Job well done. Thanks for caring about those in need. Hope you and your family enjoy the Holidays.You deserve it. From my family to yours Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteJoe, my personal thanks for caring and all you do. I would like totell another story of giving by someone who gets his only thanks from the smiles on the faces he helps with his giving. His name is Joe White and he lives in Ocean Pines and is not in the best of health. He somehow manages to not only spend his own money which he has very little of but seeks help from anyone who is willing to contribute. I like you Joe have been blessed and feel the need to give back which is indeed a pleasure. Because of Joe White and his lovely wife there are a number of familys in Worcester County will be able to provide their family a Christmas dinner they would otherwise not have. May God Bless all those in need, it is truly a pleasure to be able to make help and make those less fortunate a little better off God Bless all and have a very Merry Christmas. I am not signing this blog as I don't want to take any credit from such a wonderful person in the name of Joe White. God Bless.
ReplyDeleteThis is the true meaning of the season! Thank you all for your contributions to the community.
ReplyDeleteOutstanding! That's what I wanted to hear. Thanks for posting. (finally) lol
ReplyDeleteGlad all went well and I'm sure there is no describing how all of you felt doing such a great thing.
You guys will have some extra warmth this winter. Merry Merry. Happy Happy.
If this post had a "Like" button for Facebook I'd click it. This is awesome.
ReplyDeleteJust wonderful! Merry Christmas to you!
ReplyDeleteyou totally rock joe and your crew!
ReplyDeleteThis was just so wonderful and what a life lesson for your Grandson. You and your family have a very Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteyou guys rocked it!
ReplyDeleteJoe,
ReplyDeleteI know you dont need to hear what kind of good things you have done for the community. The sad part is that many of the people that dont know you or have negative things to say about you, really just dont know you. I really believe if they just spent 20 mintues with you, they would change their minds right away. I am blown away by how much you really do for our community. Take the blog out of the equation. Just the time and money you put back into the community is really something to say for yourself. For the people that rode by and had some pretty rude things to say to you... Let me just say they really dont know who you are. That and they are very jealous of you. To all that see this message, before you pass judgement, look at your sources. Take 20 minutes and find out who Joe really is... Trust me, you will be suprised. Joe, thanks for all you do and have a Merry Christmas!
Regards,
JM
Simply put---Merry Christmas to you and your Family, Joe.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas good peoples
ReplyDelete