John 3:16 Mission Meets Goal Of Collecting 4,000 Turkeys To Feed Those In Need

A Tulsa nonprofit collected thousands of Thanksgiving turkeys in just three days.

And today, they're handing out food to those in need.

The shelter is passing out the bounty from its annual drive to collect 4,000 turkeys and other food items to feed low-income families.

People stocked up on food for their families.

"I've got on, like, three pairs of pants, I've got on, like, five shirts, three coats and this towel," said Jerry Dye. 

Dye said he was the first person in the John 3:16 distribution line, showing up at midnight and braving 40-degree temperatures.

But he said this was nothing compared to two years ago when he was lined up in the rain and snow.

"Buddy, it was cold. This year, it felt like Florida," Dye said. 

Hundreds of people lined up early this morning. The John 3:16 Mission began distributing food baskets at 9 a.m. Monday and will hand out another round of baskets at 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.  

Maurice Richardson braved the elements, walking out with several items for his family.

"I got multiple children, my wife then my mom, in general, because she's elderly and she's sick and her and her finances is at a budget," Richardson said. 

But the line does not just stop when people make it inside. When they get inside, they'll see dozens of people are lined up here just waiting to get their fixings and everything they'll need for their Thanksgiving meal.

Volunteers handed out turkeys and other food items to folks who need it the most.

The nonprofit was worried it wouldn't be able to collect enough turkeys.

11/19/2016 Related Story: Tulsa John 3:16 Mission Looks To Community For More Thanksgiving Turkey Donations

"Nobody thought, or was thinking Thanksgiving is three weeks away, two weeks, then one week," said Rev. Steve Whitaker. 

But in the past three days, John 3:16 collected 4,000 turkeys, reaching its goal for the holiday.

"It's, you know, awesome what these people do for me," Dye said. 

Richardson said the Thanksgiving meals are more than just food. 

"If you can touch one soul, just one soul and giving a meal is probably saving a soul to those who is really in need," Richardson said. 

Distribution continues at John 3:16, located at 2027 North Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, from 1 to 3:30 Monday afternoon, then Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

You must bring a photo ID and proof of current address that has the same name listed. There's a limit of one basket per household.

The Mission is continuing to accept donations of frozen turkeys and non-perishable food items at the following locations:

• John 3:16 shelter at 506 N. Cheyenne Ave. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday
• Family & Youth Center at 2027 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
• Under the Sun Garden Center locations at 91st Street and Sheridan Road and 51st Street and Harvard Ave., 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Sunday.