Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana and Mount Paran Church partnered to host a drive-thru turkey giveaway event for Indianapolis’s far eastside on November 22 from 12 - 3 p.m. Over 350 turkeys were distributed to community members in the Circle City Prep parking lot located at 4002 N. Franklin Road. 

The goal of the event was to continue to show love and kindness to residents in the far eastside community who may be experiencing a difficult time during the Thanksgiving holiday or fall season. 

“Goodwill operates multiple stores and facilities on Indianapolis’s eastside, and we are thankful to be a part of this community,” said Eric Schlegel, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Goodwill of Central & Southern Indiana. “Partnering with Mount Paran Church to give back to the community is a sheer joy, and we look forward to continuing to connect with businesses, families and individuals about ways we can positively impact the eastside.” 

In addition to operating over 70 retail locations, Goodwill also has a mission division dedicated to improving and changing the lives of Hoosiers through education, health and employment opportunities. For example, The Excel Center®, Goodwill’s high school for adults, has two locations on Indy’s east side, one on Shadeland Avenue and one in the Meadows neighborhood. 

“Mount Paran is grateful to have a strong presence in the community, and we want community members to know our commitment to being part of the solution in making lives better holistically,” said TD Robinson, senior pastor & president of Mt. Paran Baptist Church. “We were excited to work with Goodwill in this unique way and meet with families across our community at this event on November 22.”

Located at 4001 N Franklin Road, Mt. Paran Baptist Church has been in Indianapolis since 1906. They have been in their present location, serving the far eastside community, since March 31, 2013. In addition to relocating to Franklin Road, Mt. Paran has also played an active role in the construction of the Farrell Bell Senior Apartments and the commercial development project with Goodwill to bring 200+ jobs to this community. 

With plenty of volunteers from both Goodwill and Mount Paran Church, the giveaway was a success with all available turkeys distributed to Hoosier families before 3 p.m., the originally intended conclusion time of the event.  

To learn more about Goodwill, visit goodwillindy.org.