Jacob Sam, right, donated 27 turkeys to the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry ahead of Thanksgiving. Sam is pictured with Allan Steinberg. Submitted photo

The Chautauqua County Rural Ministry had plenty of reasons to give thanks ahead of Thanksgiving, but especially to one person in particular.

Jacob Sam donated 27 turkeys and other food supplies to the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry. Allan Steinberg, President of the Board of Directors, shared the news on Facebook to offer his appreciation.

“He literally cleaned out the grocery stores to help the rural Ministry provide meals so families have a Thanksgiving meal at home,” Steinberg said on Facebook of Sam’s gesture.

“Jacob the only thing you could have done better was brought the meals prepared already,” Steinberg added. “… thank you very much we really appreciate it.”

Executive Director of the Rural Ministry Kathleen Peterson said, “It made our Thanksgiving.” She noted that between the businesses, churches, and individuals who have made contributions this holiday season, there have been close to 75 donors. That list includes a recent donation of milk from the Dunkirk City School District.

“Philanthropic giving is so big in this end of the county. It’s just amazing to see,” said Peterson.

The Rural Ministry will also be serving a Thanksgiving day meal from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Friendly Kitchen at 319 Washington Ave. in Dunkirk.

To donate to keep the momentum through the holiday season, the Rural Ministry will begin taking donations for toys and other gifts on Nov. 29. Monetary donations are welcomed as well.

“Big or small, any amount helps. We will never turn away anyone who wants to give,” Peterson said.