To the Editor:

It’s that time of year again. The Maggie Valley Lodging Association is making plans for its 16th annual Turkey Drive to benefit Haywood County’s disadvantaged residents. 

When the Turkey Drive first started in 1997, we delivered turkey dinners to 45 families. In 1998, we were able to bring Thanksgiving dinners to 75 families. From 1999 through 2007, we have helped 150 families per year. In 2008, 2009 and 2010 we were able to increase that to meals for 200 families. In 2011 and 2012 we reached an all time high of 250 families!

Thanks to the continuing generosity of residents and businesses in the area, we are aiming for a goal of helping at least 250 families again this year, potentially providing in excess of 850 meals.

Our volunteers continue to work with Ingles in Waynesville Manager Jeff Henderson and his staff to purchase and package the food and with the Department of Social Services for its delivery. DSS determines who will receive the Thanksgiving meals based on economic criteria. We deliver the packaged boxes to DSS headquarters, and their counselors help us hand them out. With your generosity we hope to be able to make this year’s drive as successful as those in the recent past.

As in prior years, your donation of $25 will deliver a full meal plus fixings to a family who may otherwise go without Thanksgiving. The dinner includes a whole, uncooked turkey, dressing, vegetables, bread, dessert, and even a disposable foil-baking pan for preparing the bird.

Over the years, the Turkey Drive has turned into a true tradition that many look forward to. Please join with us in this effort once again. Send your check for $25 (or more), made out to MVALA-Turkey Drive (Maggie Valley Area Lodging Association) to: PO Box 1175, Maggie Valley, NC, 28751 as soon as you can.

Please note: Our association pays for all administrative costs, so every cent of your donation goes directly towards the cost of food.

With your help, we look forward to a very successful Thanksgiving Turkey Drive again this year.

Karen Hession

President

Maggie Valley Area Lodging Association