magicray Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

Are free frozen turkeys to the needy a good idea vs free prepared Thanksgiving meals to the homeless? I just saw a news article on Thanksgiving turkey giveaways for the needy sponsered by area churches. I am always in favor of helping the less fortunate and wondered as I watched as 1,000 or more recipients lined up at one church to get their turkey. Many wore designer clothing and the latest fad in expensive footwear. How many of these 'needy' couldn't afford to buy a 20 pound turkey for a meer $12 instead of spending that money on a official Lakers cap? They would have to have an oven to roast it in, electricity or gas to run the stove and a home to house the items necessary for an adequate sit down dinner. How many homeless would be able to do this? They just might trade that turkey in for a bottle of Gallo Port.

I applaud the Christians, other religions, and people of no religious affliation that do what they can to feed the poor. My question is do you think it is a better idea to provide prepared meals rather than the free turkey givaway, even though preparing meals is much more labor intensive?

I had inlaws that were quite well off but they were first in line in the days when free blocks of cheese were given away by the government intended for the needy. They were hardly in need but getting something for gratis was irresistible. Any comments?

http://www.tampabay.com/news/religion/column-heddy-46pt-two-decks-goes-hereyy/2152212

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

Why not both? The homeless do not need frozen turkeys because they have no stoves. Poor families may not can afford a turkey for thanksgiving but do have a stove to cook with.

True, there are those who will take advantage but lets hope that those in need can also be taken care of.

Pepper Loc: Planet Earth Country USA

Don't be too quick to judge someone based on what they are wearing. Many of the items you mention can be purchased at Goodwill and in many cases grandparents purchase these for their grandkids whose parents may be struggling. There are many groups who collect clothing for the poor. We have a local TV station that collects coats for kids and many donate very nice designer coats to the cause. If you were to see one of these kids wearing his donated coat you may think his family was quite well off.

BW326 Loc: Boynton Beach, Florida

I hadn't thought about that but you are right.

magicray Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

Good answer Bangee. I think both methods are being utilized. The churches do a great job with this. Not being a member of a church (even the atheist one or two, ha.) I always support the Salvation Army very generously as I believe the majority of contributions go to helping people in need. Even though it is a Christian based organization I had a wealthy Jewish friend that acted as captain for a few years. Nondenominational, everyone is welcome.
There's always the chance of abusing the effort by getting the free turkey and then showing up on Thanksgiving for the free meal. It can't be avoided.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Oh, yeah, so and so business gives back to the community... Right. What crock! This is advertisement folks, nothing else.

Regardless of clothing education status or whatever else I have a few questions:

Why is this taking place only twice in a year? (Thanksgiving and Christmas) Is it to give us a 'good conscience' or is it because everyday occurrence is just plain boring and not sexy enough?

Meals on Wheels does a tremendous job helping out yet no one speaks about the legion of volunteers involved everyday to make this thing work.

Do I see any mention of these charities at this time of the year? Hardly. Why? (Ah! YES! "The fake salvation army guy!", I saw that one)

Should not all this frozen stuff given to them and used over the year so that it really benefits those in need?

I know stupid questions.

magicray Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

That is true. I did say many, not all as I'm not quick to judge and not as naïve as you might think. I was born at night, but not last night. You are attempting to turn this post into a critique of me. That's ok, shoot away.

I donate money and very good quality clothing to charities. Many valuable items that could be sold on eBay or Craig's for good bucks but as an example after my wife passed last year I donated her entire wardrobe worth over $100,000+ to charity in her name. I still have 25 pairs of quality boots never worn that will go to the SA or SPCA. She was a clothes horse and always bought the best. Coach purses, etc. I didn't mind because fortunately I could afford it and if it made her happy, you know how that goes.

My point I guess is why not have the incite and save 50 cents a week for that turkey for Thanksgiving dinner or sell that pair of $100 Air Jordan's. It's a matter of priorities for some people. There's no incentive to find ways to buy your own turkey at 59 cents a pound when you can get a free one every year. These people in line looked like the same group that would rush to Wal-Mart if they advertised "Free turkey to the first 1,000 customers" no pre-screening necessary just show up. An open invitation for a freebie to anyone.

magicray Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

Not stupid questions at all.

There are many soup kitchens run by churches on a daily basis for the homeless. Granted some organizations use this as a ploy to gain a reputation of being altruistic dreamed up by their PR staff. Their motives may be suspect but if some needy get fed then the end justifies the means.

Meals on wheels is a wonderful program. I know many destitute elderly that live alone and can't prepare their own meals or afford to do so. The meals aren't that great but will sustain life. I always thought a Swanson's TV Dinner would be a better option or MRE's. Unfortunately Obama cut the funding so he could continue his foreign aid programs.

"Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime"
- Maimonides

The problem is too many refuse to learn how to fish.

Bangee5 Loc: Louisiana

I had a few little bags of food given to me just this morning from Catholic charities and I am Baptist. Same time each month. Just yesterday I had spend $60. on food to last me the week. Believe me, I didn't get much for my money.

A group of churches get to gather to form food banks where food is given out to the needy and you don't have to be a member of any Church's. Maybe the reason you haven't heard about it is because you don't involve yourself in it.

magicray Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

Bangee, if you are truly in need I will send you a check. Seriously. I have much more than I will ever use in my lifetime and no heirs.
Try those new Kraft Velveeta dinners in a box. Excellent. Just add one pound of ground beef or chicken and you're in business. Feeds four. Only a couple of bucks. Delicious and I'm fussy. Brown the meat, drain, add the spices, pasta and sauce, simmer for 10 minutes, stir, add the cheese sauce, stir and you're ready to go. Mmmmmmmmm. rpavich would even be pleased. Better for you then his Bacon Bowl Delight with pork jowls, squirrel and sour cream.

Wabbit Loc: Arizona Desert

But not everybody's actually gonna eat the turkey Doc .....

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Read my post and pay attention to what I am saying.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

What;s really shaking here???
Libidinous bunny!

sarge69 Loc: Ft Myers, FL

Wouldn't charity such as this be better served with feeding folks at a so called 'food kitchen?'

Food would be cooked, veggies available and even desserts?

Open to homeless and poor for at least one good meal a day with goods donated? Not 3 meals a day because that would turn into a mess of 'takers' living large.

Did you ever offer a person on the street to buy them a meal and they ask instead for the money ? I have and then I walk away.

Sarge69

magicray Loc: Tampa Bay, Florida

Ha ha ha! She looks like she is ready to 'gobble'. Is she rockin' to the 'Chicken Dance?"

:lol: :lol: :lol: The guy looks like he is thinking "Mmmmmmm...that's actually an improvement. I like white meat. Can I have a breast?

I usually deep fry mine. It keeps the juices inside and the skin comes out nice and crispy.