Thanksgiving is a little brighter for 60 veterans in Warren County and Tallulah, La., thanks to the efforts of The Radio People, the Warrior Bonfire Project, the Southern Heritage Air Foundation and radio personality Steve Harvey.

The turkeys were provided by Walmart and purchased by the radio station through the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation, which assists youth and families. The birds were distributed to the veterans Tuesday by Southern Heritage Air Foundation volunteers.

“Steve Harvey has a radio show on our station 92.7 The Touch, and he does things like this to help people and families in need,” said Chris Burks, program manager for 92.7 and KHits 104.5. “We are very grateful for his help.”

He said the local veterans in the Wounded Warrior Bonfire Project were selected because of their service to the country.

“These veterans did so much for us, that we figured this was the least we could do for them,” Burk said. “It’s our way of saying thank you.” He added turkeys were also given to the Salvation Army and the River City Rescue Mission.

Patty Mekus, Southern Heritage Air Foundation president, said the veterans were selected at random. She said some of the turkeys were delivered to veterans’ homes, while some picked them up at the radio station on Belmont Street.

“We’re just thankful for the opportunity to bless our local vets and it’s great to be a part of this,” she said, adding 15 of the turkeys went to veterans in Tallulah.

“This is wonderful,” Vietnam veteran Norman Fields said after he picked up his turkey. “This is a great treat for Thanksgiving.”

Mike Calman, who is retired from the Army, said he was thrilled to get his turkey “and surprised. I had heard there was going to be a raffle for them, and I don’t do well in raffles.”

“This is really a big deal for this area,” Burks said. “So many people are hungry and they have bills to pay. I’m just grateful for us to be able to give something back to the community just a little bit.”