by James Coulter
More than 350 local families will be able to serve turkey with all of the traditional fixings for Thanksgiving dinner thanks to the generous donation by Brooks Law Group.
On Saturday morning, Brooks Law Group in Winter Haven donated turkey dinners to local families during its 11th annual turkey giveaway.
Several hundred people lined up outside the Brooks Law Group office, with the line even extending around the corner, eagerly waiting to receive a free turkey and other groceries.
Aside from frozen poultry, attendees also received bags filled with other Thanksgiving dinner items including stuffing, cranberry sauce, and produce. Even free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches were offered to people after waiting in line and receiving their donations.
“I think this is our largest turnout,” said Steve Brooks, attorney and owner of Brooks Law Group. “It just reminds me how there are so many good people in the world. When I walk through the line talking with all the people, everybody is in the holiday spirit. It is just a wonderful, wonderful feeling.”
More than 11 years ago, Brooks and his team wanted to do something to give back to their local community. They brainstormed ideas and eventually decided on donating turkeys for Thanksgiving dinners for their community’s less fortunate.
The giveaway event takes much planning and preparation. Brooks and his team hosted six meetings over three months in preparation for the event.
They also coordinate with other local organizations. Ed Perkland of Harvest Meat Market donated the turkeys, and Bobby Williams of Freedom Tour Church donated the produce and baked goods and transported all of the food to the law office. Volunteers were provided by Platinum Team and KW Smart Realty, and a grant was conferred by Outback Oasis.
“This has exceeded expectations,” Brooks said. “The number of volunteers is the most we ever had. We have at least 40 with even more showing up. And the people showing up for a Thanksgiving meal is the largest we ever had.”
