First Executive Construction’s Annual Turkey Giveaway Transforms Huntington into a Community of Thanks
As November unfolds, the spirit of generosity envelops communities, bringing warmth and compassion to neighbors in need. In Huntington, West Virginia, this sentiment is embodied by First Executive Construction, a local company dedicated to ensuring their community enjoys a hearty Thanksgiving meal.
On Monday, November 20, 2023, First Executive Construction hosted its fifth annual turkey giveaway, a tradition that has grown beyond expectations. The company distributed 800 turkeys and hams to families, turning their office into a hub of gratitude and goodwill.
JP Keshazarzian and Shanon Beatty, President and Vice President of First Executive Construction, reminisced about the event’s evolution since its inception five years ago. Keshazarzian shared, “We had started from 200, and I thought I would just do it one year, and then decided the next year after that. So I went from 200 to 400. It’s gradually going up to a thousand one day, gradually. I mean, I try and increase it per year and help more families. That’s all that matters.”
The giveaway has become a significant annual event, reflecting the company’s commitment to community welfare. Based in Hurricane, West Virginia, First Executive Construction has become a beacon of hope for dozens of families each year, ensuring they can partake in the joy of a Thanksgiving meal.
JP Keshavarzian, the owner of First Executive Construction, expressed the motivation behind the initiative, stating, “We’re doing a free turkey giveaway for needy people. 2020 has been a hard year for a lot of families, a lot of people lost their jobs. We were fortunate to continue and work, and we like to give back to the community.”
The spontaneity and sincerity of the event are encapsulated in Keshavarzian’s account of its inception in 2020. He shared, “It just came to my mind, just two days ago, and just made the decision and made a few calls and made it happen. I’m hoping it goes to the needy family, you know whoever needs it the most they can use it and have a good Thanksgiving and enjoy the holidays.”
As community members rolled in to collect their turkeys and hams, the surprise pop-up turkey giveaway became a beacon of hope for those facing challenging times. Christopher Alten, a Cabell County resident, commented in 2020, “Oh, I think it’s fantastic! Because there’s a lot of people that are out of work right now, of course everyone knows because of the virus and everything, and there’s a lot of people with a lot of need right now.”
Pam Adkins, another resident from Cabell County, echoed the sentiment, describing the act of kindness as “amazing” and emphasizing its rarity in their area. “You don’t find that in our area, so it’s really very, very nice,” she said.
The unexpected joy and gratitude expressed by the recipients underscore the profound impact of such initiatives on the fabric of a community. First Executive Construction’s annual turkey giveaway in Huntington is not just about distributing turkeys; it’s about fostering a sense of togetherness and compassion, especially during a time when many are navigating uncertainty.
In the midst of challenges, this heartfelt tradition serves as a reminder that, even in the smallest acts of kindness, communities can find strength, unity, and the true spirit of the holiday season. The story of First Executive Construction’s annual turkey giveaway is a testament to the power of community, empathy, and the enduring impact of giving back.
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/SohmzzLFOYg?si=lI8WALr8xlEQYCzb
- https://www.wowktv.com/news/west-virginia/local-business-gives-turkeys-hams-to-families-in-need/
- https://www.wowktv.com/news/local/thanksgiving-turkey-giveaway-demonstrates-the-spirit-of-local-generosity/
- https://chat.openai.com/
- https://readloud.net/
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