Saracen Casino Resort continued its annual tradition of giving back to those in need Monday by sponsoring a delivery of 500 turkeys to Pine Bluff food pantry Neighbor to Neighbor.
Saracen has donated turkeys to the pantry at 1419 Pine St. for five years now. This is also the third year it has teamed with food distributor Sysco to help N2N through Sysco’s Nourishing Neighbors program.
“It’s something we’ve done multiple years with our partners at Saracen,” said Kevin McLemore, Sysco’s vice president of operations. “We take it very seriously. We know there is a tough time going on, and we’re going to do everything we can to help.”
Carlton Saffa, Saracen chief marketing officer, was not shy about the distribution.
“My challenge — and the reason we’re here today taking pictures instead of giving these away quietly — is to challenge everyone in Pine Bluff to do something for those in need,” Saffa said. “No matter your circumstance, there is somebody that would like to trade places with you. So my challenge today from Saracen is, if you’re reading this article, think how you could make someone’s Thanksgiving or Christmas a lot better. We’re honored to be in a position to give. I’m honored on behalf of the 800 folks I get to work with at Saracen and the Quapaw Nation, the owner of our property, to be able to make this donation of a semi (truck) full of turkeys. Happy Thanksgiving.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
N2N Executive Director Pat Tate thanked Saracen and said she welcomes all distributions, especially at a time when the government shutdown has made it impossible for some U.S. Department of Agriculture programs to support her charity. Some of the programs have not been in existence since earlier this year when the U.S. Department of Government Efficiency reviewed federal programs, she said.
Tate said N2N gives out about 900 bags of food per month.
“We take donations. We’ll take canned goods. Our shelves are getting kind of bare, so whatever the community can give,” she said. “We truly appreciate what Saracen and Sysco do for us each year. They are so generous. These turkeys will be much appreciated by those we serve, and that number is growing every month.”
The holiday season is Saffa’s favorite time of the year, he said. For some, he cautioned, it can be a time of loneliness and need.
“It’s an honor to be able to give, and it’s an honor for Saracen and the Quapaw Nation to be able to give back to the community,” Saffa said. “This is unique. It’s our annual turkey event, and it’s just something about a truckload of turkeys that means something. This is the only charitable event that we publicize, and we do it as a challenge to the community.”