The Killen Food Care Center in Killeen, Texas, has long been a beacon of support for military families. This year, their act of kindness reached new heights as they distributed an impressive 1000 turkeys and a plethora of other groceries to those living at Fort Cavazos. Over the past 15 years since the giveaway began, this year witnessed one of the highest demands for such food assistance. Niki Strong, the volunteer coordinator, emphasized that families at Fort Cavazos are increasingly in need of such support. As the president of the Fort Cavazos Spouses Club, she stated, "We have seen on Fort Cavazos a greater need for support like this, for the food pantry support. There’s a Fort Cavazos food bank that’s in high demand so it is really important."The Source of Abundance
The turkeys and groceries that filled the hearts of these military families came from the generous donations to the Killeen Food Care Center. Sergeant Isaiah Brandon Reed, who took charge of the turkey distribution, believed that this giveaway is a powerful way for people to show their support for military families. He said, "Especially now, some don’t have that ability or they’re not able to so for us to do this for them it’s like ‘Ok we got you covered.’"The Volunteer Force
The volunteers who made this event possible came from various backgrounds. Military groups like the Fort Cavazos Spouses Club and private citizens like Kaleb Williamson played a crucial role. Williamson has been helping with the turkey distribution since 2017, and his family's ties to the military kept him coming back. He shared, "My mom was a soldier and my grandma was a soldier." The joy on the volunteers' faces as they thought about helping a military family's Thanksgiving meal was palpable. Strong said, "It makes you feel good. It gives you goosebumps. It’s so rewarding to see them drive away and you know that you’re making a military family’s Thanksgiving better."The Killen Food Care Center's efforts not only provide a much-needed boost to military families during Thanksgiving but also serve as a reminder of the importance of community support. Their actions have a lasting impact on the lives of those they serve, and their dedication is truly commendable.
