1,000 Thanksgiving meals for veterans in SLC, Ogden by Ken Garff employees

SALT LAKE CITY — Ken Garff employees are preparing 1,000 Thanksgiving meals for local veterans and active-duty military members ahead of the holiday.

Each bag includes a frozen turkey, side dishes and a pumpkin pie. The meals are part of the company's annual effort to give back to those who have served.

Kate Terry, community and events coordinator, said the event has become something veterans look forward to each year.

"We've done this enough where we've created a routine where we have calls coming in asking, 'Are you doing the veterans drive-thru? Are you doing the Thanksgiving meal event again?' which is so heartwarming for us that they look forward to it, " Terry said.

Brandon Wilson, a volunteer, said the effort is a way to recognize members of the community who have served.

"There's kind of a personal connection, I think, for a lot of people," Wilson said. "It's just a way to get back to those within the community and say thank you."

Terry said the need for support is significant, especially as the cost of living continues to rise.

"There is a high need right now; life is so unaffordable right now for all of us, but I can't think of a better community to give back to (than) the men and women who sacrifice so much for us and our freedoms, and so there's a huge need, and we're just trying to make a small dent in that," she said.

The Thanksgiving meals will be distributed Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at drive-through events at the VA hospital in Salt Lake City and the VA clinic in Ogden. Meals are first-come, first-served while supplies last.

Veterans and active-duty service members must bring a military ID, VA medical card or Veterans Identification Card to receive a meal.