The Great Tellico Village Turkey Hunt has raised over $11,000. As a result, some 600 families in Loudon and Monroe Counties will receive a Thanksgiving basket with a fresh turkey and all the fixin's for a great holiday meal!

The Turkey Hunt program was started in Marty Singley's former church. One of the members, Don Langille, was dying of cancer when he got the idea of helping people after he was gone. An avid hunter, Don thought it would be fun to raise money for Thanksgiving turkeys by selling "Turkey Hunting Licenses." For each "license" sold, Don promised to bag a turkey and all the fixin's for a needy family.

The program was a great success at Greendale Peoples Church in Worcester, MA. When Rev. Singley moved to Tellico, he continued the Great Turkey Hunt, convincing Bob Puckett to be the Great Turkey Hunter. Bob has been tremendously successful selling "Turkey Hunting Licenses" for $25 each. The church partners with the Good Samaritan Center of Loudon County and the Good Shepherd Center of Monroe County who buy the turkeys, assemble the baskets, and distribute then to families in need.

Thanks to all who joined the hunt this year!