Congressman Castle honored at turkey giveaway

For nearly 30 years, former city councilman Norman Oliver has been the driving force behind a turkey giveaway that’s helped thousands.  This year, the giveaway doubled as a tribute to another long time supporter of the effort, Congressman Mike Castle.

It’s the 28th year for the turkey giveaways, and this year is the biggest.  Oliver says more than 2,000 turkeys will be delivered to the needy in and around the city of Wilmington.  He says the project is really a team effort,  “We’ve got so many folks that are coming out and giving back, that we broke a record this year.”

Part of that team, this year and in years past, has been longtime Delaware Congressman Mike Castle (R).  Castle who will be out of office in January after losing the September primary to Christine O’Donnell, received a plaque commemorating his support for the effort over the years.  Governor Jack Markell (D) and Senator Chris Coons (D) presented Castle with the plaque.  Coons says, “I can think of no better way for us to celebrate Thanksgiving in these particularly hard times than thanking and recognizing someone who for 30 years has helped folks as a statewide official for the state of Delaware.”

As he accepted the honor, Congressman Castle said, “Even in good times, we all know that there are situations in which people are going to need help.  They’re going to need help not only with Thanksgiving dinner, but other help, and I see a lot of people here who provided that help over the years.”