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It was another year of Suffolk giving thanks and giving back. Along with other food distributions happening in the city, Suffolk City Councilman LeOtis Williams, in cooperation with LW’s Lawn Service and MWM Investments and Property Management, held a yearly Turkey Giveaway on Saturday, Nov. 18, at 615 Old E Pinner St. Many Suffolk residents were in attendance as well as city officials and volunteers supporting the program. TownBank Commercial Lender and Volunteer Susan Cunningham talked about what inspired her to help during the giveaway.

“It’s always such a giving event to give to people in need during the time of the year,” Cunningham said. “It’s all about the love and the heart in giving back to our community.”

Event Coordinator and Williams’ sister Navis Milteer Penn discussed the event reaching a new milestone.

“This turkey giveaway is in its 21st year, and other organizations throughout the city are doing things as well, and everyone working together to ensure that we all have a great Thanksgiving. That’s what it’s all about.”

Penn talked about being inspired by her mother to give back to others. 

“Our mother was the one who owned M &  Catering. She was always willing to give and give. So every year when I see this, and I see our people come out and just different ones who dropped a word of ‘thank you,’” Penn said. “Just by the pat on the back and say, ‘Hey, I don’t know your name, but thank you for what you and your family are doing for us.’ Those kinds of things are monumental.”

She continued.

“We think about when you’re going through the peaks and the valleys, you may never know a person’s situation. And just having that little word, that little sparkle, just help give you that extra breath of air that you need in order to make it.”