WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — One Winston-Salem man went to the grocery store and bought 75 turkeys to feed families in need.
The turkey giveaway was not sponsored or put on by a non-profit. It was one Winston-Salem man who paired up with black-owned businesses in the area to give nearly seven dozen turkeys out of the kindness of his heart.
Chris Robinson told WFMY News 2 that giving back has always been a top priority.
"I heard people talking about the cost of turkeys this year. I went to go look at the cost of turkeys and they were ranging between $45 - $65," he said.
Robinson is a business owner himself who said giving back is his calling.
"For me it's not about the money, it's about he impact it has on the community," he said.
He took his truck and loaded it up with turkeys.
"My goal was to give out 100 but I was able to get 75," Robinson said.
He said in 25 minutes the 75 turkeys were gone. Triad business owners in the area let him use their parking lot for people to pick-up the turkeys.
Yareni Silva got a turkey, she said her family nearly went without one this year due to its high price.
"We have a big family," Silva said.
She estimates the turkey will serve 20 people.
WFMY News 2 asked Robinson if he knew how much impact his efforts had on others.
"It's bigger than the turkey for me. The fact that it's feeding a family of 20 means there are 20 people in one house together. They are all coming together to love on each other and laugh," he replied.
The gift of giving that reminds others what they are thankful for.
"I have a 4-year-old daughter, the fact that she gets to spend thanksgiving here with my family that means a lot," Silva said.
Robinson said he gives in honor of his late father.
"It's actually special for me because of my father. He's not with us anymore but my father used to cook everything on Thanksgiving. He was the cook in the family, I know that he would be proud of me. It reminds me of him at the same time too," he said.
Robinson said he plans to do a similar turkey drive next year.
He hopes to provide over 100 turkeys to the Winston-Salem community.