This year’s Operation Give A Gobbler Turkey For Our Veterans raised more donations than ever.

The fifth annual event staged at Giant Food Store in Lehighton on Wednesday proved to be a record-breaking success.

Layne “Doc” Roberts, owner of Colossal Radio said $10,964 was donated, plus a lot of food.

“The outpouring of support is just amazing,” Roberts said. “Just an unbelievable event where we come together as one.”

Mary Lou Paul of Nesquehoning contributed a cash donation to support our veterans.

“They served our country; we owe them our lives,” Paul said. “I come from a family of veterans and am very appreciative.”

So, too, were Joan Fontana and Ralph Hohenstein of Lehighton, who donated a pair of turkeys toward the cause.

“I did it because I respect and we honor them,” Fontana said.

If that wasn’t enough, the friendly, annual collection competition between the Palmerton, Jim Thorpe and Lehighton police departments was taken to a whole new level this year.

In the end, a homemade traveling trophy was presented to Lehighton Borough Police Department and Chief Troy Abelovsky for the largest amount collected. The department’s donation consisted of almost 6,000 nonperishable items, 24 turkeys and $3,275. In addition, the Palmerton and Jim Thorpe police departments also arrived with a full trailer and cruisers, helping make this the best year of donations to date.

In advance of the event, the three police departments were in a friendly competition to see which department could collect the most nonperishable food items for the event.

Nonperishable foods were able to be dropped off at Lehighton, Palmerton or Jim Thorpe police departments, or at the Valor truck on Wednesday.

Nev & Nise Produce Greenhouse LLC donated roughly 90 bags/700 pounds of potatoes.

Giant itself donated 150 turkeys, helping add to collecting more than 190 turkeys.

The Valor Clinic was able to two trucks and one trailer through all the donations.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Anthony Petroski, community services officer for Troop N, said the winner is definitely the veterans.

“It’s very humbling, having people willing to donate their time, food, and money to the veterans,” Petroski said. “It’s a great feeling.”

Presented by Valor, Colossal Radio and the Pennsylvania State Police, the event aims to collect food for our veterans.

Give a Gobbler was started in 2020 by Petroski and Roberts.

Last year’s event netted more than $7,200 between cash and check donations, along with close to 300 turkeys and 3,000 pounds in nonperishables collected.

Valor Clinic foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of veterans. Valor strives to improve access to quality health care and shelter of veterans.