Gethsemane Lutheran Church members and community volunteers packaged 160 lunches for Thanksgiving workers during 'Operation Turkey Sandwich.'
Photo by Lillian Hamman
Key Points
Members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church (GLC) and the community executed the church’s ninth annual “Operation Turkey Sandwich” Thanksgiving morning, cooking, packaging and delivering 160 lunches to local employees working on the holiday.
Pharmacists, urgent care doctors, first responders, gas station and tree farm clerks, baristas and student zookeepers all smiled with surprise to receive the holiday meals featuring chips, cookies, cranberry sauce and, of course, a fresh turkey sandwich.
“It’s a thank you for being here and taking care of people when you’re giving up your time with your family,” said GLC member Karen Kearney while delivering to a CareSpot Urgent Care employee.
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Since GLC started Operation Turkey Sandwich in 2016, 1,704 bagged meals have been delivered throughout the community with the annual ministry.
This year GLC received a $250 grant from financial advisement group Thrivent to purchase supplies, which 13 volunteers gathered in the church’s kitchen to assemble on Thanksgiving.
“Christ died for us and by His grace we are saved to do his good works,” Kearney said. “I’m doing good things because it’s the right thing to do.”
Photo by Lillian Hamman Gethsemane Lutheran Church received a $250 grant from Thrivent for ‘Operation Turkey Sandwich.’Photo by Lillian Hamman A Chevron gas station clerk distributes ‘Operation Turkey Sandwich’ lunches to his employees.Photo by Lillian Hamman CareSpot Urgent Care employees working on Thanksgiving receive lunches from ‘Operation Turkey Sandwich.’Photo by Lillian Hamman CVS employees take a break on Thanksgiving to enjoy a free lunch from ‘Operation Turkey Sandwich.’Photo by Lillian Hamman Gethsemane Lutheran Church members and community volunteers package 160 lunches for ‘Operation Turkey Sandwich.’Photo by Lillian Hamman Gethsemane Lutheran Church’s pastor, Dale Raatz (left), helps church members package Thanksgiving lunches.Photo by Lillian Hamman Karen Kearney (left) surprises Starbucks employees working on Thanksgiving with lunches from ‘Operation Turkey Sandwich.’Photo by Lillian Hamman Ruth, one of Gethsemane Lutheran Church’s oldest members, helps package meals for ‘Operation Turkey Sandwich.’Photo by Lillian Hamman Santa Fe College police officers receive lunches from Operation Turkey Sandwich.Photo by Lillian Hamman Starbucks employee Lila receives Operation Turkey Sandwich meals for the store’s staff.Photo by Lillian Hamman Students working at Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo on Thanksgiving receive lunches from ‘Operation Turkey Sandwich.’Photo by Lillian Hamman Volunteers gathered at Gethsemane Lutheran Church on Thanksgiving morning for ‘Operation Turkey Sandwich.’Photo by Lillian Hamman Volunteers put stickers on lunch bags packaged for ‘Operation Turkey Sandwich.’Photo by Lillian Hamman Volunteers work together on Thanksgiving to package meals for ‘Operation Turkey Sandwich.’
Lillian Hamman is a Mainstreet Daily News reporter in Gainesville. She earned a bachelor's degree from Berry College and has worked in podcast production and global news reporting. Lillian is a fan of classic films, maker of all things textiles, and runner of all roads.
