Church hosts turkey giveaway for families in Somerset County

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. — Living Hope Fellowship Church of God hosted a turkey giveaway Wednesday morning in Princess Anne, providing meals for families in need ahead of Thanksgiving.

Head Pastor LeBron Palmer said the goal was to reach as many families as possible. “We reached 150 families today,” Palmer said. “We only had 125 turkeys, but some of our staff took names and phone numbers to ensure that others would get turkeys later.”

Due to high turnout, organizers distributed an additional 25 turkeys to those who had to wait in line. In addition to the turkeys, families received all the fixings for a complete Thanksgiving dinner.

“We had a lot of traffic that almost stretched out to Route 113 from our driveway,” Palmer said. “But that’s what it’s all about—helping people in need. Many of those who came through today were facing hardships, and we were able to pray with them.”

Somerset County has the second-highest poverty rate in Maryland, and Palmer emphasized the importance of supporting the community. “We have people here in real need, some are borderline whether they’ll eat this week,” he said. “And that’s in America.”

Palmer’s connection to the issue is personal. He shared that his own family has relied on SNAP benefits in the past. “My father, who passed away recently, was a hard worker, and so was my mom,” Palmer said. “You don’t always see the struggles that people face.”

Nancy Johnson, co-director of the Hohman Center Food Pantry, echoed the pastor’s sentiments. “It’s sad that we live in a country where children still go to bed hungry, right here in our community,” Johnson said. “If we can help support them, that’s our goal.”