I was recently thinking about doing a bit of volunteering. I was able to get a few phone numbers of local non-profit organizations that might need someone interested in doing some good. When I called the Salvation Army, the volunteer coordinater answered the phone. Non-profits like this one very often need additional assistance during the busy holiday season. I couldn’t wait to help out.

The Salvation Army is the non-profit with the Red Kettle Campaign stations at locations like Publix, Walmart, and Sam’s Club. The Kettle bell campaign helps raise funds so the non-profit can continue its mission to provide services 365 days a year. This campaign has been a tradition for the non-profit for many years. The Salvation Army has many programs. The upcoming holiday programs include the Angel Tree Program and Toy Distribution.

This was the annual Thanksgiving turkey distribution, the day that thousands of turkeys and food bags are given to needy families in the community. When I arrived to at The Salvation Army Social Services Complex on Druid in Clearwater, as I was signing in, I noticed how much effort and preparation had gone into the execution of the distribution day.  It was quite impressive the amount of food that had been prepared. Food was ready at the drive up distribution stations, which had been carefully designed. Not to mention, a large 18 wheeler trailer was loaded with over eight thousand turkeys, turkeys delivered bright and early that morning. As the volunteers were signing in they were being assigned to jobs, things like distribution, unloading, traffic control, and ticket collection. It was a well organized system, formulated around the smooth flow of vehicles through the distribution line of food stations. Many people were served so that they could enjoy a nice thanksgiving meal.