Eastridge Church gives away 1,000 turkey dinners | Photos

Published 3:17 pm Monday, November 19, 2012

With the economy still in flux and non-profits of every variety hoping to meet an ever-growing need this holiday season, there is uncertainty for many that rely on donations and charitable giving.

Last weekend at Eastridge Church in Sammamish, they were able to fill a major void.

For the tenth consecutive year, Eastridge donated 1,000 turkeys and bags of groceries and also offered free haircuts and a coat drive for youngsters. When the event began at 9 a.m., a line already stretched around the corner of the church’s sprawling campus.

Lisette Murrell, the director of the church’s Eastridge Cares program, said the turnout was encouraging and a testament to the many reasons the program has continued for the past decade.

“It’s very rewarding, just to be able to help out people in need,” she said. “Within 45 minutes to an hour, all those turkeys will be gone.”

Along with turkeys, dozens of volunteers handed out bags of Thanksgiving groceries included stuffing mix, potatoes and other essentials.

Perhaps more importantly, they were there to offer a warm smile and well wishes to those who came through the line, many with young children.

“I’m very excited, we had a great turnout,” Murrell said. “It’s just a way we can bless them.”

Volunteers welcomed many parents to the event, including this woman and her young child. JOSH SUMAN, ISSAQUAH-SAMMAMISH REPORTER

Reusable grocery bags complete with stuffing mix, potatoes and other Thanksgiving essentials were handed out along with turkeys. JOSH SUMAN, ISSAQUAH-SAMMAMISH REPORTER

Parents and children look at coats for the event’s coat drive. JOSH SUMAN, ISSAQUAH-SAMMAMISH REPORTER

Contact and submissions: jsuman@bellevuereporter.com