Story and photos by Connie McKinney, contributing writer
On a recent weekday morning, two men dressed as turkeys stood outside the Vestal Walmart and collected turkey donations from shoppers.
Dante Masciarelli, left; and Andrew Tobias, both employees of Catholic Charities of Broome County; dress as turkeys to help collect turkey and other food donations collected at the agency’s annual Thanks4giving Turkey Drive.
“It feels good,” said one of the feathered fellows, Andrew Tobias. “During this time of year, helping out is what you’re supposed to do.”
Tobias and his bird buddy, Dante Masciarelli, are both employees of Catholic Charities of Broome County, which sponsors the annual Thanks4Giving Turkey Drive. Turkeys are collected outside the Walmart store in Vestal. This year’s goal was 3,300, said Hannah Burge, program manager for youth, family and community services for Catholic Charities of Broome County.
“It’s just so heartwarming knowing that no matter what’s going on, people take the time out of their busy lives to give back,” Burge said. “It’s really rewarding to see.”
A steady stream of shoppers left the Walmart store. Many stopped to drop off a turkey or other food donations. The drive also collects side dishes such as canned vegetables as well as monetary donations and gift cards.
Many of Broome County’s Catholic parishes have been fundraising to provide gift cards, said Tonya Brown, executive director of Catholic Charities of Broome County. Some people don’t have access to a stove to cook the turkey so they receive a gift card in their Thanksgiving basket instead.
“It’s something that so many of our hardworking families that don’t have a lot of wiggle room in their budgets rely on at this point so they can provide a day of peace and rest for their families,” she said.
Turkey donations come from businesses, groups such as local police and fire departments and individuals, Brown said. Catholic Charities is grateful for all the support it receives during the turkey drive.
“Every year, we continue to be overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity of the residents, the businesses and the churches,” Brown said. “Everybody comes together and makes this a reality for this community. We are just very, very blessed to be part of it.”
Many donors are former recipients of the turkey drive, Burge said. One man remembers when he was laid off from his job and received a turkey and other side dishes for a Thanksgiving dinner. Now back on his feet financially, he dropped off two turkeys this year.
“Every year, he donates turkeys to us,” she said. “It’s heartwarming when we hear that.”
Many of the helpers are employees of Catholic Charities. Some dress up in costumes. Many bring their children along to volunteer, Burge said.
“They have fun with it,” she said. “It makes it a fun event for all of our staff.”
Another Catholic Charities staff member who looks forward to the turkey drive every year is Tracie Layton, the agency’s quality and compliance coordinator.
“The generosity is overwhelming sometimes,” she said. “There’s no better way to give back to your community. You’re making a difference even if it’s for just one day.”
Now in its 28th year, the turkey drive has never failed to collect enough turkeys, Burge said. When it looks like the drive may not meet its goal, Catholic Charities puts out a public appeal for help. That’s when trucks full of turkeys start turning into the shopping center from local businesses, groups and individuals answering the call for help.
“Somehow, God always provides,” Burge said. “And we end up making that goal.”
