With Thanksgiving just around the corner, Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) has been making the rounds of senior centers and community groups across southwest Brooklyn with free turkeys for lucky members who win raffles held at each.

“I’m always delighted to visit the senior centers and community organizations across the district and chat with the members,” said Assemblyman Colton. “It’s particularly wonderful to stop by at this time of year, as the holidays approach, and share a bit of seasonal merriment with attendees. I am also very gratified to be able to distribute these turkeys, which make it just a bit easier for people to celebrate with family and friends, even when money may be tight, and I really appreciate the generosity of the organizations and stores that make this possible.”

In all, in the leadup to the holiday, the assemblyman – who has spearheaded the distribution for many years -- has been giving out the turkeys at 12 different locations. These include the JCH Senior Center, Most Precious Blood & St. Mary, St. Finbar Center, Our Lady of Grace, the Sephardic Center, St. Athanasius Center, Sts. Simon & Jude, Narrows at the Lodge Senior Center, St. Dominic’s and the Marlboro Center, as well as Chinese American Social Services Center (CASS) and the United Chinese Association (UCA).

In all, approximately 200 turkeys were distributed. They were donated by UA3, Met Council, Chaim Deutsch and the Pakistani American Youth Organization.

Several turkeys are given out at each of the centers.