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One Tulsa church is stocking up on turkeys and other Thanksgiving items, but it's not giving them out to poor this year.
Eastside Christian Church tells KOKI it stopped serving last year the usual and expected hot turkey dinner every Thanksgiving to folks who would walk through their open doors, and they decided to leave that task up to other churches in the area. They did so in order to focus on another part of the community who may not be less fortunate, but have the unfortunate task of working on a national holiday meant to be spent with family.
"It just showed them that someone cared that they were open," said Evan Taylor, Eastside Christian Church community outreach coordinator. "You don’t think about it, but getting a gallon of gas, somebody had to work that day and be away from their families."
Taylor said the church sent people with food into gas stations, fast food restaurants, and even some stores that were open to bargain hunters. They serve an entire Thanksgiving meal to cashiers and other employees forced to work the holidays. Instead of just leaving the food and running off, the church volunteers spend time also talking to employees and making sure they don't feel alone.
"They’re either super busy, or there’s nobody at all," Taylor said. "Last year, we went to a Braum’s at noon on Thanksgiving. Why they were open? I have no idea, but the employees there were so greatful."
Taylor said people just want to be remembered on a day that so many people get to spend with loved ones getting some grub and making special memories.
Fred Turner, senior pastor of Eastside Christian Church, said the reponse has been so positive that his church isn't thinking about going back to the old way of Thanksgiving any time soon.
"If our kids can’t be in town, or if we can’t get out of town, then we volunteer," Turner said. "And we’re a family here. It only takes two or three hours, and we still have time to catch a game."
The church did not disclose where they are planning on going this year. They want to be a surprise and a blessing to anyone they give food to. They did tell KOKI they are heading out the door with more food than last year.
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