Jackson Police Department Giving Away Turkeys to Local Families for Thanksgiving

(November 7, 2022 9:39 AM) Jackson police officers are helping local families get a turkey on the table this Thanksgiving. The Jackson Police Department’s first ever Turkey Drive-Thru event is happening Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Commonwealth Commerce Center in Downtown Jackson.

The Turkey Drive-Thru is only open to Jackson residents. No prior sign up is necessary and the turkeys are free. Participants are asked to stay in their vehicles and enter the Commonwealth Commerce Center parking lot using E. Wesley Street and drive around the building to the Turkey Drive-Thru site. Jackson officers will be there to distribute the turkeys to local families. The frozen turkeys will also come with safe cooking instructions.

This special event is being organized through the police department’s new Group Violence Intervention (GVI) Strategy. GVI has local law enforcement and the community working together on direct solutions to reducing gun violence in Jackson. Coordinator Cheryl Ragland says the turkey giveaway fits in with the program’s message of community outreach. “Having enough food on the table for a family holiday is a big part of that,” Ragland said. “With increasing food costs for families, we hope this will also alleviate some financial strain during the holiday season.”

Turkeys will be available while supplies last. Only one turkey will be given to each vehicle. The Commonwealth Commerce Center is located at 209 E. Washington Ave.