Hundreds of Petersburg residents received free turkeys at The Hope Center on November 18 . It was a chilly morning, but early birds formed a line to receive what many called a "blessing."

"I'm thankful for being able to receive this food. It will be a great help for the holiday with me and my family," Regina, one of the early birds, shared.

"Thank the Lord that we can get a turkey. Some people can'f afford one," Grace Hurt said.

Rebecca Richards, responding to Hurt's comment, said, "People's in bad shape."

Live! Casino Virginia donated approximately 248 turkeys, according to Scott Fisher, executive director of Downtown Churches United. Fisher oversees The Hope Center programs which aim to help the community's disadvantaged through food, utility and clothing assistance.

Kristi K. Higg

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