St. Mary’s Health Care System has donated 380 frozen turkeys, totaling 4.8 tons, to the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia ahead of the holiday season. The donation is part of an annual initiative in which St. Mary’s gives a turkey to each colleague and volunteer as recognition for their service. Those who wish to donate their turkey can simply choose not to collect it, allowing the Food Bank to distribute them to families in need.
Beth Patrick, Chief Human Resources Officer at St. Mary’s, stated, “Every year I’m amazed and moved by the number of colleagues who choose to donate their turkey. It’s a sad reality that the number of people who have food insecurities in our community continues to grow. We’re thrilled that so many colleagues and volunteers love getting these turkeys, and we’re just as thrilled that so many donate them to help others who are in need. It’s a true testament to our commitment to our core values.”
The distribution process involves St. Mary’s leaders handing out turkeys at its hospitals in Athens, Lavonia, Greensboro, and other local facilities during the week before Thanksgiving.
Colson Holt, Relationship Manager at the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia, said, “St. Mary’s shows what it means to truly care for this community. They give from the heart, and those donations translate directly into meals and relief for families who are feeling the pressure of rising costs. We’re honored to partner with an organization that leads with compassion and follows through with action.”
Holt added that many residents are struggling with decisions about basic needs such as food, housing, and healthcare: “We continue to see many of our neighbors pushed to make tough choices about food, housing, and healthcare. Acts of generosity like this help make those choices a little less difficult. Our partnership with St. Mary’s is a reminder that when this region comes together, we nourish neighbors and strengthen the wellbeing of the entire community.”
According to data from 2024 provided by the Food Bank of Northeast Georgia www.foodbanknega.org, over 15.5 million pounds of food were distributed through more than 230 member organizations across 15 counties in northeast Georgia last year. The organization estimates around 91,600 people face food insecurity within its service area.
For more information about St. Mary’s Health Care System or its initiatives visit www.stmarys-health.org.
