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Elgin residents turned up the heat Nov. 10 with a lively chili cookoff, raising funds for Operation Turkey Elgin and its mission to provide Thanksgiving meals to those in need.
Hosted at Lo-Fi Coffee House and Studio, which donated 10% of its sales for the day, the event featured five competitors, along with baked goods, treats and a $75 gift basket auctioned off from Raising Cane’s, all in support of the growing program.
“Support has been great; it can always be better, but as people gain awareness of Operation Turkey, I expect it to increase,” said Shametra McGregor, who launched Operation Turkey Elgin last year.
In its first year, the program mobilized a team of 65 volunteers and delivered over 1,100 meals. This year, McGregor aims to reach 2,500 people, with any extra meals going to shelters, senior communities and churches.
Operation Turkey, which also operates in neighboring municipalities like Austin, Bastrop and Round Rock, “believes in the power of community,” thankful for the dedication of its volunteers, according to McGregor. About 1,000 residents
have already signed up for meals, and more than 100 volunteers are ready to help meet this year’s goal. Community members can request a meal online or sign up in person, as Mc-Gregor frequently visits downtown Elgin each Saturday to reach residents without internet access.
The operation is based out of Firewild on Main, where volunteers will gather early on Thanksgiving morning to assemble and hand-deliver meals. The Nov. 27 Turkey Tailgate will kick off preparations with turkey cooking a day in advance.
In addition to meals, Operation Turkey Elgin is accepting donations of toiletries, which can be dropped off at Lo-Fi and other locations across the city.
According to McGregor, local businesses have shown strong support, including Sonic, which donated 40% of its proceeds Nov. 12, and Panda Express, which held a similar fundraiser two weeks prior.
“Every donation makes an impact,” the organizer added.
With the continued backing of the community, Mc-Gregor is determined to expand Operation Turkey Elgin’s reach and ensure no one in the community goes hungry this Thanksgiving.
Meals can be requested at operationturkey.com/ meal-request through Nov. 17. Call 866-6788751 or email [email protected] for additional information.
