The James Brown Turkey Giveaway is 50 turkeys shy of its giving goal, and the community can still help.
Deanna Brown Thomas, daughter of the Godfather of Soul and the president of the Brown Family Foundation, said she is seeking donations to ensure the giveaway at 10 a.m. Monday at Dyess Park will meet or exceed last year's 1,000 turkeys. The foundation will accept donations for the 19th annual event until 9 a.m. Monday, she said.
"Things are looking great," Mrs. Thomas said. "A lot of businesses and individuals have looked out and donated."
The Rev. Al Sharpton, who has filled in for Mr. Brown since his death on Christmas Day 2006, will again help give out turkeys, Mrs. Thomas said.
Politicians, public figures and businesses donate turkeys annually, but this year it was especially important to get the community involved, she said.
"It's probably going to be a little disheartening at some point because so many people are having it rough with pay cuts and layoffs," she said. "I know we're not going to be able to help everybody, but I'm hoping and praying we can bless those who do receive."
Continuing without Mr. Brown is difficult, said giveaway coordinator Elif Crawford. Before his death, Mr. Brown covered a majority of the expenses of the turkey giveaway and the toy giveaway, which will be Dec. 21.
"Without Mr. Brown, it's financially a little tougher, but we have had a tremendous response from the community, mayors and business owners," Mrs. Crawford said.
The event will be streamed live on the Brown Family Foundation's Web site, jamesbrown familyfdn.org, between 9 and 11 a.m., Mrs. Thomas said.
The goal is to show the good works that continue to be done in honor of her father.
"This is really a community effort, and Dad would have loved that. He loved everybody," Mrs. Thomas said. "Those who can afford will come together for those who can't."
Reach Stephanie Toone at (803) 648-1395 ext. 110, or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: James Brown Turkey Giveaway
WHEN: 10 a.m. Monday
WHERE: Dyess Park, 902 James Brown Blvd.
TO DONATE: Contact Elif Crawford at (706) 267-4151. Learn more about the family foundation at www.jamesbrownfamilyfdn.org.
The Augusta Chronicle ©2010. All Rights Reserved.
Why can't they give them away at other locations??? One year they could do it at The Brigham center, next year Apple Valley Park and so on.
You got to be kidding!!! James Brown's Foundation and Al Sharpton can't come up with their own money. What a joke!!!!!!
come on sister...get off the cash..if it's truly a "Brown" givaway then a "Brown" should do the giving!
If you want a good deal on turkeys this is the place to go. I was not able to go last year because I was out of town. But for the last couple of years before that I have gone and got several turkeys. Just go to the liquor store and pickup as many pints of cheap liquor as the number of turkeys you want. Park about half a block away from the give away site, Just stand outside your car and you can catch people walking with the turkeys. More than half will be glad to trade there turkey for the liquor. One year I got five in less than 30 minutes. I think for 5 turkeys I had less than 20 bucks in the cheap liquor.
It is just a SHOW. Look at me give away something some else paid for. Just like JB's Christmas toy giveaway. Toys were collected by others including Toys For Tots. Redistribution of Wealth is not CHARITY. There will plenty of TURKEYS at this "non researched", who is actually eligible for CHARITY benefit. They don't care if you are DESERVING. Give it away and they will come. Don't worry about picture I.D.'s or transportation when FREE STUFF is available.
If the Brown isn't paying for it take JB's name off of it!!!
I loved my homeboy, James, but this is ridiculous.
Always looking for a handout.....now the handout is looking for a handout!
This reminds me of Chump Walkers "James Brown" appreciation day in Augusta....Everyone except James Brown was involved......
I don't remember James ever asking for donations. All his money been spent?
Just a few years ago they ran out of turkeys and Mayor Bob Young helped purchase some to make sure more people could have one. They chose the site because that is the heart of the poorest people. I think it is rather shameful that the people that are doing all the crying are the people that already know they have no intention to help the poor anyway. They are just trying to carryout a legacy. Everything is always about race. We ought to be ashamed of ourselves!!
apex24... You are beyond a just a blue eyed devil. You are truly racist!! You are more like a venomous viper with legs.. Only a fool would trust anything you have to say. I believe your mother left your father for a black man that just happens to live in the housing projects downtown. You act like the white kid being forced to wear dreadlocks to school everyday to support a black stepfather against your wishes. If you don't think this is a charitible event worth supporting.... Then don't!!
Some poster from another thread on this subject wanted to know how many turkeys I was donating. I have made my contribution through the familyfdn.org. I know there are some people that will take advantage of the give away because it is free. However there are many who can really use it. I do it gladly because of the memory of James Brown. I used to watch his shows at the Bell Auditorium in the 60's. There will never be a showman like him. I am aware of the legal problems he had and was actually an eye witness to one of them. However, I believe he did more good than harm as evidenced by his turkey and toy give aways.
All charities and government handouts have some fraud. However, charity is about giving from the heart, not worrying about who's name is on the event or if you get credit for your good deads. The majority of the people who will show up are in need, even if a few cheat, you are still giving of yourself and your money to help others which is a great thing. Charity is great. However, the government taking from some to give to others is not and should be stopped at once.
"I believe your mother left your father for a black man that just happens to live in the housing projects downtown. " What an ugly, ugly, ugly thing to say, whether you're black or white.
Corgi, he's said it before. Consider the source. That's the double standard white people deal with everyday from the likes of idiots like cparker, RCR, and Ispy.
The on duty Webmaster lets idiots like them say what they want and removes the rest. I wonder why????
Well Idiot, you got to say what you wanted.
Surprise, surprise,surprise. Stop the presses. APEX and BETTYBOOP, are not in support of the give a way. They fully support restoration of the Confederate Powder Works but a problem with helping the needy. This is truly shocking. Who would have thought we would have lived to see this day. Say it is not so.