Jackson, Mich. (WKHM) — The Jackson Police Department is helping local families this Thanksgiving by providing turkeys to residents in need. The department’s third annual Turkey Drive-Thru will take place on Thursday, November 21, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the American 1 Event Center, located within the Jackson County Fairgrounds.
The event is open exclusively to Jackson residents, who can receive a free turkey with no prior registration required. Participants are asked to remain in their vehicles, entering the fairgrounds through the N. Blackstone Street entrance, where officers will be stationed to distribute turkeys. After receiving a turkey, drivers are directed to exit via W. Ganson Street.
Following last year’s swift turnout, where 300 turkeys were distributed in under 30 minutes, the department plans to give away 500 turkeys this year, thanks to contributions from Walmart and an anonymous donor. Turkeys will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with a limit of one per vehicle.
This initiative is part of the Jackson Police Department’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) Strategy, which aims to build stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community. GVI Coordinator Cheryl Ragland emphasized the importance of the event as part of the department’s outreach efforts. “Having enough food on the table for a family holiday is a big part of that,” Ragland noted, adding that with rising food costs, the event hopes to provide some financial relief for families.
For local families looking to secure a turkey this Thanksgiving, the drive-thru offers an opportunity to celebrate the season with a little less worry. The American 1 Event Center is located at 200 W. Ganson St.
