Wednesday, just before dawn, smoke rose over the War Memorial Building as volunteers prepared dozens of turkeys — all destined for Boys and Girls Club families.
The man leading the cookout was Cody Willis, who has watched this effort grow year after year.
Willis says the project started small — cooking just a few birds each Thanksgiving — before expanding to match the community’s needs.
The Hopkinsville Rotary Club stepped in to help — providing turkeys and coordinating school donation drives to supply canned goods and side dishes. Rotary President Landan Stallons says it was a perfect partnership.
Volunteers say the experience meant as much to them as it did to the families receiving meals. Volunteer Jason Hale says the preparation took dedication — and heart.
For Hale, helping strangers is what the holiday spirit is all about.
While the cooking happened outside, the impact will be felt inside the homes of Boys and Girls Club families. Ansley Hartley, Family Impact Coordinator, says many of their children face food insecurity — and paused SNAP benefits have added new pressure.
