MASSILLON – Christine Cameron was appreciative as her pickup was loaded with Thanksgiving edibles.
Cameron, a U.S. Air Force veteran from Plain Township, was one of hundreds of local military members and veterans who netted their annual Thanksgiving holiday meal on Tuesday through the Serving Area Military (SAM) Center on Lincoln Way E in Massillon.
“It’s so nice they do this. It really helps out a lot,” said Cameron, who served as an Air Force information systems specialist from 1983 to 1987. “I didn’t expect a turkey (today), but I got one.”
Turkeys were literally flying off the truck, as about five-dozen volunteers at the SAM Center filled hundreds of vehicles with a cart full of food.
The nonprofit organization’s 10th annual Thanksgiving dinner, drive-thru giveaway, benefited nearly 500 Stark County residents with military ties.
“They do a great job, and the people are so organized and helpful,” said Perry Township resident Mac Luttrell, a U.S. Army veteran who served in the early 1970s.
The SAM Center estimated it would dole out around 25,000 pounds of food.
Altogether, each meal bag totaled close to 80 pounds worth about $100. All who signed up received a 10- to 14-pound turkey, potatoes, ham, donuts, fruit, vegetables and pumpkin pie. This year’s bonus was a $10 gift card for other items.
Local veteran volunteers and others from Marathon Petroleum, Walsh University, Arrow Passage Recovery and Enbridge energy company assisted by directing motorists through the pickup spot and loading food bags and vehicles.
“This (giveaway) is to help lift our veterans in need during tough times,” said Lucia Cirese, executive director of the SAM Center. “We’re so very blessed to be so supported by our community (and volunteers).”
Businesses helping the center with food donations or service included Costco, Sam’s Club, First Energy, RealTruck, Aldi, Fresh Mark, Walmart, Gardner Pie Co. and Giant Eagle.
Additional SAM Center assistance available in Massillon
The SAM Center is located at 413 Lincoln Way E in Massillon. Proof of U.S. military service was required Tuesday to receive a Thanksgiving meal.
The organization began in May 2015 and has partnered with multiple community groups to help meet the needs of area military personnel.
The SAM Center regularly supports active-duty service members, veterans and their widows with a food pantry, providing food pickup opportunities twice per month.
The group also distributes a Christmas tree to those with military ties prior to the holiday.
This year’s tree availability is slated for Dec. 9 at the Massillon SAM Center.
Reach Steven Grazier at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @sgrazierINDE