Real angels in human form showed up this holiday season in Sumter County. Volunteers came together to make 375 turkey dinners for families in need of food on Christmas. This was the ninth year that Tim and Jessica Kelly spearheaded the event.

The idea was sparked by Jessica’s sister who lives in Alabama where they were doing the same thing and she realized that there wasn’t anything like it at home.

“Turkeys from Heaven Sumter started as a simple idea; one that was neighbors simply helping neighbors,” Jessica says.

Jessica, administrator of the Sumter County Chamber, saw a need that wasn’t being addressed with many food drives focusing primarily on Thanksgiving. Over the years she has gained support from the chamber, Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and many volunteers.

“We truly believe that this organization is much larger than us,” says Jessica. “What we have learned over the years is that a simple meal can do so much more than feed a family; it reminds them they are seen, cared for, and not alone during the holidays.”

The evening before the pick-ups and deliveries took place, 23 smokers lined the area under the cover at the Sumter County Fairground arena. Volunteers smoked turkeys and cooked sides for people within their community, helping the day after by delivering meals to people’s homes if they were unable to pick them up.

The names of families they cook for are given to Jessica from schools, churches and other organizations in the community who identify people within the area that are in need. The first year they gave 100 families a home-cooked meal and the number has steadily increased.

According to Feed the Children, one in five US children don’t know where their next meal will come from and the holiday season compounds food insecurity for many families. Holidays can bring added stress on top of going hungry.

All of the food prepared is donated including monetary donations that go towards the purchase of items needed. It has become a community outreach initiative that benefits those struggling and those helping.

“So many of our volunteers have said to us that it has become their favorite day of the year and we agree with them,” says Jessica.

For anyone interested in learning more about the organization you can visit Turkeys from Heaven on Facebook or email turkeysfromheavensumter@gmail.com.