A handful of organizations participated in Turkey drives across Southeast Michigan.

DEARBORN — The Lebanese American Heritage Club continued its annual tradition of providing free meals to the needy during the holiday season, at two turkey drives it organized this month. One of the turkey drives was held at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center here Nov. 20 and another took place Nov. 27 at a church in Detroit. Three hundred and fifty turkeys were distributed to low-income seniors through both of the turkey drives.  “This is the mission we began 30 years ago with the desire to serve humanity in every aspect of our activities,” said Wassim Mahfouz. “Our programs and activities aim to touch the lives of those we serve.” The LAHC and its Youth Leadership Committee are working on other projects that benefit the needy throughout the holiday season, such as clothing and food drives in addition to collaborating with Project Dignity to feed the homeless. Those who are interested in helping the group with its charitable efforts can call the LAHC at 313.846.8480, or visit www.lahc.org.  

MICHIGAN — For the past 33 years, the Associated Food and Petroleum Dealers (AFPD) and its members have provided Thanksgiving turkeys, to needy families, across metro Detroit, Lansing and now, Columbus and Cleveland Ohio.  This year it provided 5,800 needy families with turkeys for their Thanksgiving dinners. The AFPD Foundation thanked everyone who donated to its 33rd Annual Thanksgiving High Five Turkey Drive.   

DEARBORN HEIGHTS — On Tuesday HYPE Athletics here distributed 250 turkeys to needy families.  The organization set an example to the youth about the importance of making charitable efforts, by getting high school football teams from across metro Detroit to help distribute the turkeys to less privileged families.  “It is a great experience to participate in our annual turkey giveaway. For us to have all these football players who have a lot of talent come out and lead by example is just great.  The way we define success at Hype Athletics is by the positive impact people have on others, and by leading by example and doing it by action and not words,” said Justin Cessan, HYPE Athletics Director of Community Relations.