The Eastridge Church opened their doors in Seattle and Issaquah for the 15th annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway on Nov. 17.

Lead Pastor Steve Jamison said the church’s annual event gives out about 1,500 turkeys as well as additional side food items to people in the community who may not be able to afford them. People lined up around the front entrance to the Issaquah campus of Eastridge Church to receive a turkey and additional food like stuffing.

In addition to offering food, the church also featured a coat drive, free haircuts by professional stylists and early sign ups for the Toy House donation drive event in December.

Jamison said the church partners with the Issaquah Food Bank to send it any extra food at the end of the day. The church also partners with school districts to help get the word out to families who may benefit from the event.

He thanked the volunteers that put in the hours to work the event, making sure everything is run smoothly and efficiently.

“There is nothing we are doing that is understaffed,” he said. “People come out because they want to have a hands on experience and help somebody.”

Winter coats donated to the church were also made available during the turkey giveaway. Evan Pappas/Staff Photo

People lined up around Eastridge Church in Issaquah for the turkey giveaway. Additional food items, such as stuffing, were also included in red bags as well. Evan Pappas/Staff Photo