EPCSO, Knights of Columbus and other organizations team up for turkey giveaway

With the holidays just around the corner, many have stepped up to feed local families.

Saturday, more than 200 families in need picked up turkey baskets, thanks to the help of the Westway Neighborhood Association, the Sheriff’s Advisory board and the Knights of Columbus. All organizations teamed up to help borderland families.

“It’s an awesome feeling that we’re able to give back to the community,” Chris Acosta, the spokeswoman for the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

School resource officers worked with counselors to identify families in need across El Paso. Those families are given baskets that include all the basic necessities, turkey, stuffing, sodas, potatoes, corn, green beans and bread.

Juan Ayala has a family of six to feed this Thanksgiving. He was one of 235 families that received a basket Saturday. He tells Abc-7 he and his wife are facing financial hardships.

“She just got out of back surgery, so this is going to help us out a lot,” Ayala said.

Thankfully, a Thanksgiving dinner is one less thing they’ll have to worry about.

“These people really do help us out,” Ayala said.

Last year, 100 turkey baskets were given away. This year, due to the tremendous support from the community, 235 turkey baskets will be given away.

“A lot of support, a lot of networking a lot of partnerships has made this the most successful giveaway so far to date,” Leo Duran, President of the Sheriff’s Association, said.

This is the fifth year the turkey giveaway has taken place.