LATHRUP VILLAGE — The Arab American and Chaldean Council (ACC), a premier nonprofit human service organization serving southeast Michigan, announced it distributed 180 turkeys to those in need through its 2013 Turkey Drive.

Volunteers sort and pack the food items

The organization has been providing turkeys at Thanksgiving to meet the needs of those less fortunate in the tri-county area for more than three decades.  In the past 10 years, the ACC estimates it has given away approximately 1,000 turkeys thanks to contributions from businesses, organizations and individuals.  This year, the donations were made by Forgotten Harvest and the AFPD, a multi-state trade association representing independent retailers.

 Out of the 180 turkeys, 30 were donated, along with additional food items, to veterans identified through ACC’s Veterans Mentoring Program in cooperation with Wayne County Veteran Services.

 “As we enter the season of giving, it was important to us that we make sure that those in need were able to have a special Thanksgiving,” said Dr. Haifa Fakhouri, president and CEO of the Arab American and Chaldean Council.  “Thanks to the generosity of Forgotten Harvest and the AFPD, 180 individuals and families were able to have a delicious meal for their table.”