“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”  Acts 20:35

The words of the Apostle Paul to the Ephesus elders still ring true in today’s world.

And, those who participate in the local Turkeys from Heaven program give testimony that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

“Turkeys from Heaven is where I will be Friday,” said Nancy Scott, administrator of Troy Home Care. “Being a part of Turkeys from Heaven each year and seeing the joy that it brings to so many is a real blessing.”

Scott said the home care patients begin asking as early as summer if they will still be on the list for Turkeys from Heaven.

“They look forward to the meals and to the visits all year long,” she said. “Those we serve are the elderly and the sick and many of them aren’t able to cook meals for themselves.  These are people that sometimes fall through the cracks of the assistance programs so, to have someone come and bring them a meal and share a few minutes with them is a true blessing, especially at Christmastime.”

But the blessings are not reserved just for those who receive the Turkeys from Heaven meals.

“Those who deliver the meals are also blessed,” Scott said. “They come back with stories of the blessings they receive. The young people and the college students are deeply moved by the needs they see right here at home and they are uplifted to see that they can do something that makes a difference in the lives of others. The people of South Alabama take care of their sick and elderly and it is a blessing to be a part of doing so.”

Scott said Turkeys from Heaven, which was initiated by Kelly Sanders four years ago, is a wonderful program that provides the extended Troy community with the opportunity to receive the blessings that come with giving.

But, it “takes a village” to provide a Christmas meal for 400 or more families. And, Sanders said the success of Turkeys from Heaven is totally due to the tremendous support of the community.

“Hundreds of people, including those who purchase turkeys, make donations and all the volunteers – they are the ones,” she said.

Friday is the day for delivery of the Turkeys from Heaven meals. Volunteer services will include men to “cook the turkeys” and cooks to bake or make 400 desserts for the baskets. Volunteers will be needed to put the casseroles together, pack the food and make the deliveries and a dozen other things that just pop up.

“I’m looking forward to Friday and to sharing this time with so many wonderful people, both those who receive and those who give,” Scott said. “I look forward to making deliveries. Some of the people live in such remote areas that it’s almost like they are in a different world. And, those who are not familiar with the rural areas will find unexpected beauty.”

For more information or to volunteer call 334-770-0428 or just show up at The Emporium 116 West Walnut Street in downtown Troy on Friday and be a part of something special.

Editor’s Note: Those who would like to be a part of Turkeys from Heaven in ways other than volunteering, may purchase a turkey at either of the Piggly Wiggly locations in Troy for $15 or make a donation toward the purchase of other food items for the Turkeys from Heaven meals.