Deputies give away 250 turkeys to low income senior citizens
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- It's a Harris County Constable Pct. 7 Thanksgiving tradition: free turkeys for low income seniors.
The giveaway was not first come, first served, but there were people who started waiting in line at 4 a.m.
Seniors called ahead of time to reserve their bird. If you were in line with a reservation, you were guaranteed a turkey. But many people were so excited, they started waiting in line before dawn.
"Well. I wake up early," said Inez Strambler.
Pct. 7 deputies have done this for 13 Thanksgivings. This year, deputies donated money to buy and give away 250 turkeys. Strambler has received a bird every single year.
"A lot of the seniors are forgotten," said Precinct 7 Constable May Walker. "Every year it grows by about 50 people or more."
Seniors can call as early as August to reserve a turkey.
The program serves low income seniors in the following zip codes: 77007, 77021, 77025, 77030, 77031, 77033, 77035, 77045, 77047, 77048, 77051, 77053, 77054, 77085, 77071,77099 and 77096.
This year, the calls came quickly after Harvey.
"It's taken a lot of stress off a lot of people," said Zerlene Chatman.
Chatman is taking her bird to her daughter's house Thursday.
"We are blessed. We're just blessed. I don't know any other word, we are just blessed," Chatman said.
Salvation Army also donated food, boxed goods, grocery store gift cards, fruits and vegetables.
"We are going to have a good Thanksgiving, a real good Thanksgiving," Strambler said.
