The Maggie Valley Lodging Association is making plans for the 15th annual Turkey Drive to benefit Haywood County’s disadvantaged residents. When the Turkey Drive first started in 1997, the association delivered turkey dinners to 45 families.  In 1998, it was able to bring Thanksgiving dinners to 75 families.

Since then, the MVLA has been helping 150 families per year.  In 2008, 2009 and 2010, it was able to increase that to meals for 200 families.  Last year, the group reached an all time high of 250 families.

Thanks to the continuing generosity of residents and businesses in the area, the MVLA is aiming for a goal of helping at least 250 families again this year, potentially providing in excess of 850 meals.

The association volunteers continue to work with Ingles-Waynesville’s Manager Jeff Henderson and his staff to purchase and package the food and with the Department of Social Services for its delivery.  DSS determines who will receive the Thanksgiving meals based on economic criteria.  The MVLA deliver the packaged boxes to DSS headquarters, and their counselors help the group hand them out.

As in prior years, a donation of $25 will deliver a full meal-plus, to a family who may otherwise go without Thanksgiving.  The dinner includes a whole, uncooked turkey, dressing, vegetables, bread, dessert, and even a disposable foil-baking pan for preparing the bird.

Over the years, the turkey drive has turned into a true tradition that many look forward to. Send a check for $25 (or more), made out to MVALA-Turkey Drive (Maggie Valley Area Lodging Association) to: P.O. Box 1175, Maggie Valley, NC 28751.

“With your help, we look forward to a very successful Thanksgiving Turkey Drive again this year, said Karen Hession, president of the Maggie Valley Area Lodging Association.