JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Tuesday was Governor Tate Reeves’ third annual turkey pardon. It was also the launch of Extra Table’s Thanksgiving fundraising initiative.

The governor pardoned a Collins turkey because of its temperament and appearance.

This year’s “Great Gobbler” is a broad-breasted bronze male turkey.

He was nominated by students at the Presbyterian Day School. The name that received the most votes and won was Roasty Toasty.

Forgiveness is part of a partnership with Extra Table. Extra Table is a statewide nonprofit food bank.

Extra Table launched its “Give Them a Bird and the Dressing Too” campaign. This launch aims to encourage supporters to donate to the cause.

Martha Allen, executive director of Extra Table, said the campaign’s goal is to put chickens on the tables of hungry families across the great state of Mississippi this holiday season.

“It’s as simple as making $15,” Allen said. “$15 covers the cost of three whole birds for a hungry family. »

This is the second year Extra Table has delivered chickens instead of turkeys.

Allen said there are many benefits to choosing chickens. Some of these benefits are that they are easier to store and distribute, more households know how to cook these birds, and Extra Table can buy three chickens for the price of one turkey.

Governor Tate Reeves said Extra Table has once again been extraordinarily generous to Mississippians in need.

“I commend them for their outstanding work and look forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on Mississippians across our state,” said Governor Reeves.

You can go to extratable.org to make a donation and support this cause.

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