Drivers in Louisiana Receive Turkeys Instead of Tickets for Thanksgiving
LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC/Gray News) - Drivers in one Louisiana community received a surprise during traffic stops on Wednesday morning. Deputies with the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office handed out Thanksgiving turkeys instead of writing tickets for minor violations.
The holiday outreach is part of an annual program to help families in need and showcase a different side of law enforcement.
“In law enforcement, it’s important to have good community relations. Relationships matter. This is an opportunity for us to go out and spread good community cheer, just to let people see that. It’s the holidays, it’s a way to give back,” Sheriff Stitch Guillory said.
Deputies began loading and bagging the turkeys before heading out around 8:30 a.m. to surprise drivers across the parish.
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with many drivers thrilled to receive a Thanksgiving turkey rather than a citation.
“It was a great surprise. We’re gonna fry that turkey up, and now I don’t have to go buy one right now,” one turkey recipient exclaimed.
The gesture brought some drivers to tears of joy.
“When you see these guys in uniform, it’s not always for something negative. There are really positive things that are going on,” Angela Arvie, who received a turkey, said.
Deputies emphasized that the program is not about letting dangerous driving slide, but about connecting with the community and helping families during the holiday season.