By NICK YAMASHITA
The Progress
Residents were on the receiving side of the generous giving spirit of a local supermarket as 135 turkeys found their way to the dinner table.
Last week, the community food pantry at Brooke’s Good Deeds in Logandale distributed the turkeys after Lin’s generously donated the frozen birds.
The turkeys were given out Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the scheduled times from 8 am until noon. However, the last bird “flew out the door” Friday about 11 a.m.
“It was a success!” Brooke’s Good Deeds Director Shanna McPheters said as she complimented Lin’s Marketplace for the donation.
The nonprofit was happy to see people under the financial crunch of the holidays be able to have a “good Christmas dinner.”
Meanwhile Lin’s Store Director Jesse Jenson was happy to provide a protein and some cheer to the community.
He said the donation was the result from their store’s annual Harvest of Hope campaign. The turkeys come from funds raised by the company from shoppers who round up their purchases earlier in the year.
That same program lets people buy prepackaged food items at checkout which are donated to local food pantries.
“Basically we try to figure out what is needed and give it back to the community through helping stock the food pantry,” Jenson said. “We thought it would be nice to provide a protein this year. Something different than the usual canned goods and non-perishable items.”
Jenson chose Brooke’s Good Deeds after he was heavily impressed of the nonprofit after a tour of the facility.
As people came and picked up their one turkey per household, those who qualified were able to shop for other needs such as canned goods and non-perishable items.
There were about nine volunteers besides the McPheters to help shop. Amongst them were two service missionaries and two full-time missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
“This is one of my favorite things to do in the valley because it’s just so fulfilling seeing others get blessed from direct efforts.” said Elder Riley Whitney from Payson, Utah.
Elder Brian Vela Garcia from West Jordan, Utah added his own sentiment.
“You grow closer to others especially the McPheters,” he said. “They are an awesome family.”
“It is the best!” Whitney said.
McPheters said their next big day will be on Friday, Dec. 29. This is a day after the big food delivery, she said.
She added a big thanks to Lin’s Marketplace and all those who help keep the place running, especially the volunteers. She wished everyone a Merry Christmas.
Brooke’s Good Deeds is located at 3475 North Moapa Valley Boulevard. For more information, call (702) 283-6118 or visit the location during business hours.
