W
ant to save some time
on your Thanksgiving
dinner and help out a
good cause at the same time?
The Calhoun County Deputy Sheriff’s
Association’s turkey fry returns for its 12th
year on Nov. 23. As in prior years, the event
benefits the Oxford office of Alabama
Baptist Children’s Homes, an organization
that helps provide foster homes for
orphaned children, while offering
counseling and guidance for families. It’s
something the CCDSA deeply believes
in, according to Calhoun County Sheriff
Matthew Wade.
“We give every bit of money to Alabama
Baptist Children’s Home to help get a good
Christmas for the kids,” said Wade, who
noted that the event costs around $3,000 to
hold, which the CCDSA pays itself. “It’s done
entirely with Sheriff Deputy’s Association
money, which is a fraternal organization, so
it’s not taxpayer money.”
The event started with just two fryers.
Demand and popularity grew over the next
12 years, and the number of fryers swelled
to more than 30. Wade estimates that some
2,000 turkeys have been fried during that
time.
“We’ll buy about 80 turkeys and give them
to different people and organizations,”
said Wade. “Anybody who wants to bring a
turkey, we’ll fry it and do it free of charge,
but we do ask for donations.”
The event is made up of volunteers from
Wade’s church, the CCSDA and the sheriff’s
office itself.
INSIGHT
“People come and do it every year,” said
Wade of his volunteers. “They come not
because they’re made to, but because they
want to.”
The Calhoun County Sheriff Deputy’s
Association turkey fry is Nov. 23 at
the sheriff’s office. Requirements for
participating are simple: make sure to
bring the turkey completely thawed and
in its original packaging to the event,
and be sure that it isn’t larger than 17
pounds. Frying is free, and donations are
encouraged to support Alabama Baptist
Children’s Homes.
Visit the CCSDA on Facebook for more
information. ✽
November 2016 7