01/02/2008
Spirit of Volunteerism Thrives in Turkey Hunting Community
 NWTF volunteers provided more than 11,000 frozen domestic turkeys to families in need in 2007 Click image for print quality version |
EDGEFIELD, S.C. — During the holiday season, hunters are stepping up for the less fortunate in an effort to lessen the winter's chill through warm smiles and hearty meals.
Through its Turkey Hunters Care program, the National Wild Turkey Federation's members are giving to those in need. So far this year, 228 NWTF chapters in 39 states and two Canadian provinces have donated 11,089 turkeys — an equivalent to 66,534 meals.
Through the Turkey Hunters Care program, local NWTF chapter volunteers are teaming up with church ministries, food pantries, children's organizations, homeless shelters, National Guard units and other civic service organizations to donating frozen turkeys.
"Volunteers in our chapters embrace this program because that's the type of people they are," said Dick Rosenlieb, senior vice president of sales and marketing for the NWTF. "They are always trying to come up with ideas to give back to local communities, and this program is a natural fit."
Since the inception of Turkey Hunters Care in 2001, more than 65,000 turkeys have been given out to families in need, the equivalent of 390,000 meals.
"Providing meals to those who need them most was the goal of the program from the beginning," said NWTF Chief Operating Officer Carl Brown. "We care about people in the local communities and Turkey Hunters Care is one way for us to give back."
