Albion-Homer United Way Assists In Turkey Give-Away

Thanksgiving will be a little brighter for Albion and Homer area families thanks to partial support from the Albion-Homer United Way.

A free turkey giveaway on Nov. 23 is coordinated by Play Right Sports Academy and sponsored by the AHUW, Meijer, Oaklawn Hospital and Ford.  The Saturday event is from 9 am to noon at the Opportunity High School east parking lot. This event is open while supplies last at the 225 Watson Street location.

According to Play Right Founder and President Milton Barnes this is an annual event designed to provide this Thanksgiving dinner staple. Only one turkey is allotted per household but up to two turkeys can be given away per vehicle but proof of separate households must be provided. Barnes said turkeys go quickly each year and it suggested that recipients need to be in line early. No proof of income is required.

The turkey giveaway is part of events coordinated by Play Right Sports Academy. Play Right is an after-school program for boys and girls from third through 12th grades in Albion, Marshall, Battle Creek and Jackson. The non-profit organization funs three-days a week coinciding with the school calendar with additional summer activities provided.

Funding local non-profit initiatives like Play Right Sports Academy turkey giveaway is at the core of the Albion-Homer United Way’s mission. Raising funds through donations continues throughout the year, according to Marcia Starkey AHUW Executive Director.

Starkey said there are several good reasons to donate to the local United Way including that donations fund Albion and Homer specific programs and funding decisions are made by a local board. Donor lists are never shared with other agencies and payroll deductions make donating easier.

Recently a fund-raising appeal was sent to the Albion and Homer area. In addition donations can be mailed at any time to AHUW P.O. Box 55, Albion, MI 49224, made on-line at www.albionhomeruw.org or by contacting Starkey at 517-499-2563.

AHUW board members are Carolyn Amos, Donisha Brewer,  Art Kale, Michael Leskowich, Isabell Nazar, Jenny Wilbur, Eddie Williams and Shane Williamson.

Previous Play Right Sports Academy turkey giveaways have made Albion and Homer family Thanksgivings more joyful. Albion-Homer United Way and other local organizations supported this year’s event. The turkey giveaway is Nov.23 from 9 am to noon at the east parking lot of the Opportunity High School at 225 Watson St. The turkey giveaway is open until supplies run out.