Ogden community pulls through with turkey giveaway

It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a turkey and the generosity of the area community helped make sure that a planned turkey giveaway overcame some major setbacks.

Miranda Parker had been spearheading a community turkey giveaway, working with local businesses to offer the chance at a free turkey for Thanksgiving. However, those plans took a sharp turn this month when tragedy struck. On Saturday, November 2, the Ogden Mart grocery store burned down. The destructive fire not only threw a wrench into the plans of families preparing for their Thanksgiving meals, but also disrupted the efforts Parker had made to secure turkeys for the giveaway.

“It was really heartbreaking to watch the grocery store burn down,” said Parker, who suddenly needed to make new arrangements for the giveaway. “Seventeen different businesses wanted to be a part of it and I didn’t want to let these people down.”

Fortunately, help was nearby. Parker, who had once worked for Hy-Vee in Ames, reached out to former co-workers who eventually put her with contact with J.J. Hesnard, the store director of Hy-Veen West.

For the full story, see this week’s Ogden Reporter. Subscribe by calling 1-800-558-1244 ext 122 or email Deb at circulation@midamericapub.com or by clicking here.