Foundation providing hundreds of turkeys to needy families; founder hopes to feed hundreds more

DENVER (KDVR) — The Simmons Foundation for Youth and Change has helped feed thousands of Denver area families on Thanksgiving for 17 years and is planning to help hundreds more during this year's holiday.

With exactly two weeks left until Thanksgiving, many families are eyeing the high grocery bills and life circumstances with concern. But the Simmons Foundation will be providing some help with dinner by giving away 500 turkeys.

On Saturday, Nov. 16 from noon to 3 p.m., hundreds of turkeys and baskets of trimmings, including cornbread, green beans, pie, cranberry sauce and other Thanksgiving meal staples will be handed out to anyone in need.

The giveaway is being held at 919 East Colfax Street, and there are no requirements for anyone hoping they can get a good Thanksgiving meal. The location is Capitol Cigars, which is next to Ogden Theater.

Meals will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. Simmons Foundation for Youth and Change Founder Alvertis Simmons told FOX31's Talya Cunningham that he has been giving away the meals for the past 17 years because he loves to see people's faces light up.

"Oh, you should see their faces," Simmons told Cunningham. "They're just so happy and thankful and we don't demean anybody. We don't care if you have a high-ranking position or don't have a job at all. We don't demean anyone, we welcome everyone because those turkeys are going to feed a lot of people on Thanksgiving Day!"

Each year, community leaders help with the effort by volunteering or donating to help feed hungry families. Some of those leaders include former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb and his wife Wilma, and Denver Sheriff Elias Diggins.

There are already 500 turkeys secured for the Saturday giveaway, but Simmons is hoping to feed even more. He has set a goal of 700 turkeys.