When the Armed Services YMCA of Fort Bragg requested at least 85 turkeys to give away to Army families, Alex Dewberry, PX general manager administrator, stepped up—collecting more than 125 turkeys for donation during Fort Bragg’s annual holiday drive.
For a fifth year in a row, Dewberry organized and planned the drive, which was hosted in conjunction with volunteers from the commissary and ASYMCA.
“Times are a little bit tougher this year for many families,” Dewberry said. “We pushed to ensure that our hardworking men and women in uniform will have a Thanksgiving meal with their families.”
On Nov. 18, military shoppers visiting the North Post Commissary could purchase turkeys and donate them to the Fort Bragg Food Bank. In return, donors received a $10 Exchange gift card. Turkeys were sold at a special sale price of $11, making costs low for shoppers to participate.
Gift cards were funded by collaborating vendors, who were also invited by Dewberry to join her and the event hosts during the drive.
“This year, I invited the vendors to the event so they can see what good we do with their money,” Dewberry said. “They were absolutely speechless and immediately assured continued support for the years to come.”
Dewberry said there was a lot of excitement during the drive.
“The day was extremely busy,” Dewberry said. “We were put right by the entrance. Whoever donated usually ended up hanging out with us. Because we made it fun, we were all laughing, joking and took pictures together.”
Dewberry said when she started planning the first holiday drive five years ago, she didn’t know how successful it would be, but it has since become an event she looks forward to every year.
“This was an idea of mine I started five years ago,” Dewberry said. “I am grateful for my leadership for listening and letting me run with it. We had no idea what was really going to come out of it, but this has become one of the most important holiday programs that we do.”
Cheryl Chevis, Fort Bragg PX acting general manager, said these events provide an opportunity for the Exchange to show its relevancy in the community.
“We want to prove the Exchange is family serving family,” Chevis said. “It’s important that shoppers understand we care about them and their welfare. I am really proud of Alex’s work and her impact on the community.”
Dewberry said she couldn’t be happier with the outcome of the drive.
“Fort Bragg is known to step up when families are in need, but they broke all records that day,” Dewberry said. “I am personally so proud of the shoppers who donated, but also of everyone who supported.”
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