Longview, Texas – On Monday, Nov. 23, the Maude Cobb Convention Center at 100 Grand Boulevard will open its doors at 10 a.m. for the eighth annual turkey giveaway hosted by local business leaders Brent Goudarzi and Marty Young. Families arriving in the right‑hand lane will be directed by signage to the entrance, where a single turkey will be provided to each vehicle on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Gilmer location follows the next day
Tuesday, Nov. 24, the giveaway moves to Gilmer Elementary School, located at 1625 U.S. Highway 271 North. The event will also begin at 10 a.m., following the same first‑come, first‑served format and one‑turkey‑per‑vehicle rule.
Both sites are preparing to serve dozens of families who may be facing financial strain during the holiday season. The organizers emphasized that the giveaway is a way to give back to the East Texas community, reinforcing the importance of families gathering together for Thanksgiving.
Community impact and family focus
“Brent Goudarzi and Marty Young know the importance of giving back to their community,” the press release stated. “They are strong believers in families spending time together for the holidays and hope to help those who may be in economic need this holiday season.” The statement reflects a broader commitment among local businesses to support families during a time when many households are tightening budgets.
Local residents have praised the tradition, noting that the turkey giveaway has become a reliable source of holiday nutrition for many East Texas families. By providing a free turkey, Goudarzi & Young help ensure that more households can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal without the added financial burden.
How to participate
Participants should arrive early, as the giveaway operates on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Only one turkey per vehicle will be distributed, and attendees are encouraged to bring a valid ID for verification if requested by volunteers. The events are free of charge and open to all residents of the Longview‑Gilmer area.
Organizers have arranged traffic flow to minimize congestion. In Longview, volunteers will direct drivers to the right lane, while in Gilmer, school staff will assist with parking and crowd control. Both locations will have signage and volunteers on hand to answer questions and ensure a smooth distribution process.
Looking ahead
Goudarzi & Young expressed hope that the turkey giveaway will continue to grow in future years, reaching more families across East Texas. They also invited community members to consider volunteering or donating to future events, reinforcing the spirit of generosity that defines the holiday season.
For additional information, residents can contact the organizers through the company’s website or follow updates on local social‑media channels.
Original reporting: KLTV 7 Tyler (news) — read the source article.
