Veterans and their families should be able to enjoy quite the feast this Thanksgiving.

The fourth annual Operation Give a Gobbler Turkeys For Our Veterans event held Wednesday at Giant Food Store in Lehighton raised more than $7,200 between cash and check donations, said Layne “Doc” Roberts, owner of Colossal Radio.

In addition, Roberts said there were close to 300 turkeys, along with 3,000 pounds in nonperishables collected.

“It was record-breaking,” Roberts said. “It turned into something really awesome.”

This marked the first time the event was not staged at Colossal Radio in Palmerton.

Roberts thanked Michelle Rex, general manager of Giant at the Carbon Plaza Mall, along with Larken Associates, whom he said “welcomed us here.”

“We are extremely happy to be part of this event to partner with Colossal Radio and state police,” said Rex, who added the store donated 150 turkeys.

Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Anthony Petroski, Community Services Officer for Troop N, signaled out the outpouring of support.

“After the first hour, the trailer was halfway filled,” Petroski said.

Petroski said the Lehighton, Jim Thorpe, and Palmerton police departments came up “with a ridiculous amount of food and monetary donations.”

The three police departments held a friendly competition in advance of the event to see which one could collect the most nonperishable food items, which ultimately ended up being Jim Thorpe.

Roberts said donations came seemingly from everyone, and everywhere.

That included Jason Kistler, whose Team Spoonman Saloon private Facebook group donated $4,800, along with 400 pounds of food, 70 sweatshirts, and other accessories.

Kistler, of Palmerton, said the group is all about supporting our troops, and figured “if I could make a small difference in someone’s life,” then it was all worth it.

As she exited Giant, Kim Gauronsky of Lehighton walked over to the trailer to donate a turkey.

“In light of the season,” Gauronsky said. “I am very grateful for everything our veterans have done for us, and just a way to say thank you to help them get through the holidays.”

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

Last year’s event netted $6,000 between cash and check donations, along with 125 turkeys for veterans.

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