5 Days, 6,000 Turkeys: Thomas J. Henry's turkey tradition brings holiday cheer

With a goal of 6,000 vouchers, organizers said the new drive-thru system will help as turkeys are given out Monday through Thursday, starting at 10 a.m.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and as families start planning their feasts, locals won’t have to worry about the main dish. Thomas J. Henry’s Thanksgiving giveaway is back this year with a five-day distribution.

Shameka Cobb might have shown up to Sunday’s Thomas J. Henry Turkey Giveaway a little too late. She left that day without a voucher but she will get another chance.

“I’m glad we didn’t miss it,” Cobb said.

Unlike years past, the event now stretches through Thursday. Cobb is thankful because of the financial uncertainty many families are facing this year.

“For me and my family, it’s kind of a big deal because with prices of things and inflation,” Cobb said. “It’s really expensive, especially during the holiday season, so we do this every year and we’re so thankful that they do it every year and they give out so many free turkeys.”

This year’s goal: distributing 6,000 turkey vouchers in five days.

Organizer Miranda Mendez said they’re bringing back the tradition after a break last year – and they’ve made changes to keep things moving and make it easier for families.

That means you will get a paper voucher to take to the grocery store. Versus getting an actual turkey on the spot.

“We know just kind of how the hardships have been for the past couple of months and how everything’s been going. So we decided just to do it here and just to give it easier for the community. We decided to do vouchers that way they’re not lugging that turkey around,” Mendez said.

The giveaway takes place at Henry’s new center for philanthropy on Ocean Drive.

Mendez said drivers need to plan for road closures.

“All down Shoreline, going southbound is gonna be closed. The only entrance if you want to get into line is gonna be Cooper’s Alley… and Shoreline is right next to American Bank,” Mendez said. “That’s where you’re gonna enter and then that’s where you’re gonna start queuing – right in front of our building is essentially where we’re gonna be giving out the vouchers and your car will be marked with a washable marker that’s just to indicate how many vouchers you’re gonna be receiving,” Mendez said.

But getting in line early is important said longtime volunteer Erica Alcala.

“So I would say, recommendation is come early because the line does start forming. I know people get here by 5 a.m., like I said earlier, and then park, stay in your vehicles. Everything is a drive-through. It’s very easy. Somebody will come and mark your vehicle, hand out the vouchers, and then the traffic just flows perfectly,” Alcala said.

2,000 vouchers were given out today, and 1,000 will be given out each day through Thursday.

Cobb said for many families this giveaway isn’t just about a turkey. It’s a holiday tradition.

“So honestly, every year that I’ve done this, it has been like really joyful,” Cobb said.

1,000 vouchers will be given out daily from Monday through Thursday, starting at 10 a.m.

5 Days, 6,000 Turkeys: Thomas J. Henry’s turkey tradition brings holiday cheer

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