CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Salvation Army in Clearwater will hand out turkeys with all the fixings to 12,500 local families for a Thanksgiving feast on Monday and Tuesday.

It’s all made possible by the work of a longtime donor, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Maj. Ted Morris with the Salvation Army said this anonymous donor has made it her tradition to increase the number of turkeys she purchases each year. The last few years, as the numbers have flown into the thousands, Morris says she’s received support from friends who are also chipping in so she could make it possible.

“Quite a few years ago, she drove up to our office in her Camaro with about a dozen turkeys in the trunk and said, ‘Can you use turkeys for Thanksgiving?’ We said, ‘Absolutely!’ Every year she’s tried to increase that number — coming up to 12,500 this year. So we’re just so thankful for her and her friends, and the volunteers who are coming to help distribute those turkeys for us,” Morris said.

Volunteers with the Salvation Army in Clearwater distribute 12,500 turkeys and sides on Monday morning. (Spectrum News/Angie Angers)

Morris says residents were asked to sign up ahead of time and that all the turkeys are reserved. Those with tickets are asked to come to the Salvation Army headquarters in Clearwater at the date and time listed in order to avoid congestion.

Residents will receive a turkey, potatoes, stuffing mix, green beans, corn and cranberry.