[November 25, 2008] After setback, turkeys for all Tweet Nov 25, 2008 (The News Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- The sudden recall Monday of a truckload of frozen turkeys tainted the start of the Tacoma Salvation Army's annual holiday giveaway, but officials quickly scrambled to find replacements. As many as 45 of about 1,000 recalled turkeys were handed out Monday before the safety announcement, said Salvation Army officials, who added that they will contact those clients to replace the birds. Frank Walton, business operations manager, wouldn't say why the turkeys were recalled but said any turkey that thaws and smells bad shouldn't be eaten. He declined to say who sold the agency the turkeys. The agency expected to hand out turkeys to some 1,500 families through Wednesday. With the help of Popeye's Chicken and Biscuit restaurants and other sources, Walton said he thinks the Salvation Army can do that. "We are going to serve the people we committed to serve," he said, adding he "wouldn't give out a bad or unsafe product." Popeye's stepped up to the table, he said. Steve Downs, owner of five Popeye's restaurants in the South Sound, including two in Tacoma, said he and another franchisee based in Bellingham were able to sell 300-plus deep-fried turkeys to the Salvation Army. Downs, an Edgewood resident and Salvation Army volunteer, was at the agency's headquarters at 1501 Sixth Ave. when the recall notice from the manufacturer came through Monday. Walton said there were enough good turkeys on hand from other sources to handle the rush Monday. The agency handed out 450 numbers to be redeemed for turkeys and food boxes. Those who weren't served Monday can return today, Walton said. Another 450 numbers will be handed out this morning and again Wednesday morning, for pickup later in the day. There was no shortage of customers for the Turkey Day fixings, which included stuffing, onions, potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie. A few people lined up as early as Sunday night to make sure they got served quickly. Most spent all day Monday waiting outside in line. Slow computers also delayed the food line, and clients were able to sign up early for a Christmas meal certificate, which took time. Crystal Green came from Fort Lewis to the giveaway. It was her first year in the line. "This means Thanksgiving dinner," the 29-year-old mother of two said as she stood with at least 100 other people. "Otherwise it would be Banquet frozen dinners served on TV trays." She said her husband isn't yet a non-commissioned officer and his pay doesn't stretch far. That makes her thankful the Salvation Army helps military families. Karen Laursen, a mother of five, said she arrived shortly before 7 a.m. and was still waiting at 1 p.m. to get food. Fortunately, a half-warm sun had replaced the morning cold. She said it had been 10 years since she stood in such a line. "I only work part time," she explained. "There is a lack of funds and too many bills." Pami Perry, who is on Supplemental Social Security and lives with her parents, said the Thanksgiving dinner from Salvation Army was "very important" to them. Her father, who has fought cancer all year, was laid off from his job, leaving the family little money for the holidays. Shena Reed and her daughter Alicia, 5, finally got their box of food with a 21-pound turkey. Alicia carried the big pumpkin pie with a very big smile. Mike Archbold: 253-597-8692 Hot holiday meals Traditional Thanksgiving dinners will be available at three locations Thursday in Tacoma. All are open to the public. Emergency Food Network From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Temple Theater-Landmark Convention Center, 47 St. Helen's Ave., Tacoma. Porter's Place Restaurant will cater; volunteers will serve dinner. Pierce County Transit buses 11, 13 and 16 go to the site, and the ride is free. For information, call 235-584-1040. Tacoma Rescue Mission Three seatings at 3, 4 and 5 p.m. at 425 South Tacoma Way. Volunteers will serve dinner. For information, call 253-383-4493. The Oasis of Hope Center From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1937 S. G St., sponsored by the Greater Christ Temple Church and St. John's Baptist Church. Popeye's Chicken and Biscuit restaurants and DDD Catering will cater. For more information, call 253-383-0077. Nativity House Dessert will be served from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 2304 S. Jefferson Ave. Thanksgiving pies, desserts, cakes and cookies will be available at the community drop-in center that serves people in need. Dessert donations are welcome. For more information, call the administration office at 253-779-9248. To see more of The News Tribune, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.TheNewsTribune.com. Copyright (c) 2008, The News Tribune, Tacoma, Wash. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email [email protected], call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]