Knowing there are far too many people in need Liberty County Sheriff Steve Sikes and his deputies gave away Thanksgiving meals Nov.27 to roughly 50 families.

“Our guys see some horror stories out there in the course of a year,” Sikes said. “We know those families are probably not going to have anything for Thanksgiving and once we identify those people, we try our best to meet those needs if we can. And the citizens of this county have been gracious enough to help us financially. When we ask, they help us financially to make sure that every family has something, at least those that we’re aware of.”

The Sheriff said this is the eighth year they’ve assisted families. This year they also had some help from newly elected Walthourville Mayor Larry Baker and City of Midway Police Chief Kelly Morningstar.

Everyone packed their vehicles with full meals that included the turkey, dressing, sides and even some extra snacks.

“We gave them everything a person needs to have Thanksgiving dinner,” Sikes said.

Sikes noted they were able to help out many single mothers and their kids.

“It helps,” Sikes said. “The Lord’s word says your blessings come from giving, not necessarily from receiving. It’s principle that we operate that way from day one.”

Sikes said the yearly giveaway is spearheaded by Hershey Harriman.

“She organized everything and did statistics and kept track of how many turkeys and how much more food was needed,” Sikes said adding she went above and beyond her typical job to get things done.