Thanksgiving is just a few weeks away, and Meridian City Councilwoman Romande Walker wants to make sure Meridian’s educators are able to celebrate with a good meal. Through her annual Turkeys 4 Teachers food drive, she hopes to accomplish just that.

“As an elected official and a retired teacher’s assistant, I see economic deficits every day,” she wrote in a letter asking for support. “Food deficits seem to remain at an all-time high. Our teachers and their teams are usually left out due to work hours of teaching our youth.”

Through Turkeys 4 Teachers, Walker is asking residents, businesses, civic clubs and other organizations to donate hams, turkeys or gift cards to be distributed to teachers and educators in Meridian ahead of the upcoming holiday. Once purchased, residents can contact Walker at 601-527-3972 or 769-256-9790 or call the teacher’s school for drop off instructions.

Donations will be accepted until 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 20.

“We would appreciate your generous sponsorship in helping to make sure every educator of our school system is provided with a nutritional meal in this food drive,” Walker wrote. “We need your help.”