‘Hope Harvest’ gives out free Thanksgiving turkeys
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) — A turkey giveaway across Chattanooga is giving away more than just a seasonal feast.
The Hope Harvest was held November 18 across the greater Chattanooga community and was hosted by the Pneuma Church.
Two of the executive pastors discussed their mission behind the annual event.
“We tried to do 75 turkey baskets. Now it’s grown to over a thousand. Each year we’re moving out throughout our city of Chattanooga, Tennessee distributing turkeys, warm clothing, prayer, I mean you name it, we have it here. So we love going out to this year we’re doing four locations. So we’re moving out and just being a blessing to our Chattanooga community,” Kilzma Brown said.
The mission started 14 years ago and has since then flourished into what the Hope Harvest is today.
Kilzma and Ivan Brown wanted to share their mission of hope for the Chattanooga community.
“Instead of giving just a handout, we decided to give a hand-up. So we really started off with turkeys and now we are also giving hope and inspiration. Not only are we giving away turkeys but we are also giving away hope that people really can hang their hat on for the holiday season,” Ivan Brown said.
Community centers distributed holiday treats at various locations on Saturday.
Folks could sign up for a free turkey along with clothing and other free items.
“The economy has risen and all of us know that groceries are high, so Pneuma church. We just wanted to make sure that people are not missing the opportunity to gather with their families and sit around and just be thankful,” Kilzma added.
The hope for this 14 year long tradition is to impact families across the community during the Thanksgiving season.
“In addition to giving away turkeys, because like I said, we also want to give away hope. So that’s why we have the choir coming. We have a very inspirational message by Dr. RJ McCowan. We also have a children’s corner where they’re doing face painting for the children. Then we have gently used and new clothing that we’re giving away too as well. We really want people just to really be impacted and have a good time,” Ivan said.
