Hundreds stood in line Monday at Dyess Park, braving the chill and hoping for help from the annual James Brown Turkey Giveaway.
Hundreds left happy.
Among them was Elmore Sanders, a Korean War veteran, who said he grew up as a friend of the Godfather of Soul and carried a photo in his wallet to prove it. He said it was worth waiting for the free turkey.
Ronald Corley, a disabled Vietnam veteran, said he had good reason to attend the giveaway.
"My house burned down ... I lost everything," he said. "Right now I've just got to do what I can."
The turkey giveaway was the second since Mr. Brown passed away Christmas Day 2006. His longtime friend the Rev. Al Sharpton was again on hand to help with the distribution, leading those present in prayer and speaking about the importance Mr. Brown placed on giving back to the community.
Many people came to the giveaway for the first time, forced to do so in part by the economic hard times.
Clarether K. Shearin said she had children to worry about feeding and that a turkey would go a long way to help.
"I've got a house full of kids. I'm disabled, and it takes a lot to feed my young'uns," she said.
Ms. Shearin said that even though Mr. Brown is gone, his legacy continues through the giveaway.
"I knew James Brown as a kid growing up," she said. "This is something that he wanted to do. It's a blessing."
Reach Jonathan Overstreet at (706) 823-3708 or jonathan.overstreet@augustachronicle.com.
HELPING HANDS
More than 800 turkeys were delivered to Dyess Park to be given away.
Contributors helping with the giveaway included Comcast, Global Spectrum, The Partridge Inn, the Augusta Groove basketball team, Mayor Deke Copenhaver, state Sen. Ed Tarver, state Rep. Quincy Murphy, and Kroger and Bi-Lo stores on Wrightsboro Road.
The event is funded through The Brown Family Children's Foundation. As of Monday, First Bank of Georgia had received $10,000 in donations for the foundation's annual turkey and toy giveaways, according to a bank spokeswoman.
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