An anonymous donor provided The Salvation Army with nearly 13,000 turkeys for families ahead of Thanksgiving.

The Salvation Army St. Petersburg allowed people to pick up a free turkey on Monday, November 24, from 3 pm. to 6 p.m.

It's part of the annual Turkey Toss Giveaway.

Gary Sturdivant, The Salvation Army Area Commander for South Pinellas County, explained how the program got started.

"Some 20 years ago, a little lady had 5 to 6 turkeys in her car in the trunk. She stopped by The Salvation Army in Clearwater and said it's my birthday. I got to get home to have Thanksgiving with my family, can you all use these turkeys? The Salvation Army said we sure can," said Sturdivant.

This year, the anonymous donor donated nearly 13,000 turkeys to be distributed across Salvation Army location

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