New Beginnings Ministries gives free turkeys to Wiggins residents

A nonprofit group fed hundreds of Wiggins residents today at the Stone County Fairgrounds.

New Beginnings Ministries partnered with Feeding the Gulf Coast and handed out around 500 ready to cook turkeys.

Though volunteers made quick work of loading cars, the line was backed up to the highway. Police had to divert traffic and create a second line just after 11 a.m.

Organizer Pamela Fairley Nunn told News 25 she didn’t want residents to go hungry, especially those who need food assistance. “There’s a great need now, because a lot of people, especially elders and single mothers, are having a difficult time making ends meet. Some may be eligible for food steps but a great number have children who are not babies, so they run out of food before the end of the month.”

The bags handed out also included fresh produce, stuffing, and macaroni.

The virtual event Thursday will run from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.