MLK Center hosts drive-thru turkey Thanksgiving for 1,500 families in need

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- More than 1,000 turkeys and more are being distributed to families in Milwaukee Tuesday, Nov. 24. 

Normally, the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center does a big dinner for Thanksgiving but since they can't this year, they are giving away 1,500 turkeys.

This year it is a drive-thru giveaway hosted by the Milwaukee County Parks Department. 

Dee McCollum started the event ten years ago when she bought ten baskets with holiday food in them. 

Her goal this year on the 10-year anniversary was to give away 1,000 turkeys, but they were able to surpass that by 500. 

Organizers say this will help a lot of families in need this holiday season. 

"It's an extremely difficult time for many," said Ian Everett, with Milwaukee County Parks. "A lot of people have lost family members, they’ve lost friends, community members and neighbors and they are going to be holding much smaller Thanksgivings with just their immediate household. This is just a way for us to show that that they’re in our thoughts and we’re keeping everyone in mind in what is going to be a really difficult season."

Volunteers will be out giving away turkeys until they run out.