The White House isn’t the only executive mansion gearing up to pardon turkeys ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves is also set to spare a bird this Wednesday in Jackson.
Extra Table, a local nonprofit partnering with Reeves for the pardon, is asking for the public’s help in naming it. Residents can submit names by commenting on Extra Table’s Facebook page with the top three finalists being announced Tuesday. Another round of voting will take place to narrow it down to one before Wednesday’s pardon at the Governor’s Mansion.
It will be the fourth annual Official Mississippi Turkey Pardoning and also complement the official launch of Extra Table’s month-long “Give ‘Em A Bird” campaign. The campaign raises funds to provide whole chickens to food-insecure families across the state during the holidays.
“Mississippi is one of the most food-insecure states in the nation, and the holidays can be especially hard,” Extra Table executive director Martha Allen Price said. “We’re inviting everyone to take part – individuals, churches, businesses, and schools – and help us fill tables with food and hope.”
With food assistance unstable due to the government shutdown and the holidays always the busiest time of the year for Extra Table, Price said donations are needed now more than ever. According to her, each $15 donation pays for three whole frozen chickens distributed through the nonprofit’s network of 66 food pantries and soup kitchens. The goal is to feed thousands of families before Thanksgiving.
“For thousands of Mississippians, the question this holiday season isn’t what to serve – it’s how to serve it,” an announcement from Extra Table reads. “With the government shutdown and SNAP benefits ending, it is not whether to go with a hot or cold green bean casserole, but how to afford a meal that brings their family together at all.”
Donations can be made to Extra Table by texting “3birds” to 44321 or by visiting their website.
