When someone goes out of their way to make things better for the greater good, it’s only right to pay it forward.

Many businesses and individuals took it upon themselves to do just that during Wednesday’s second annual Operation Give a Gobbler in Carbon County, which was broadcast live on Colossal Radio by Layne “Doc” Roberts.

The event raised $3,700, with donations of 89 turkeys, and various gift cards, according to Susan Schwarz, holiday meal coordinator for Valor Clinic Foundation.

The Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corp. teamed up with Colossal Radio, The Hofford Mill and the Pennsylvania State Police Troop N to give back to veterans at the Valor Clinic by providing them with a Thanksgiving turkey.

People were asked to aid the cause through a donation of any denomination gift card to a local grocery store or a frozen turkey at the Colossal Radio Studio inside Off The Charts Music School in Palmerton.

Donations, such as canned tuna, canned fruit and vegetables, peanut butter, meat-based soups with vegetables and beef stew were also collected, while nonperishable food items were accepted at the Lehighton Borough Police Department.

Mike Meining, veteran outreach coordinator for Valor Clinic Foundation, was in awe of the community support.

“It’s going good,” Meining said. “It’s amazing; people are donating constantly.”

To those who donated, the gesture was a small way to repay the veterans who served and continue to serve to ensure our safety and freedom.

Some, such as Leeann Davison of Albrightsville, made it a point to contribute a turkey and gift card toward the cause.

“Just do a good deed,” Davis said. “We sleep safely and soundly because of those who served and are currently serving.”

Others, such as Dale and Denise Smith of Bowmanstown, thought enough to give away eight winter coats.

“It’s so (veterans) have something warm to wear,” Denise Smith said.

Trooper Anthony Petroski III, of Pennsylvania State Police Troop N, thanked all the community members who made the event so successful.

“We’re just very appreciative of the community members,” Petroski said. “We’re going to do this again next year.”

Alice Wanamaker, Carbon County Chamber and Economic Development Executive Director, said they were grateful to everyone who contributed.

Wanamaker said Insurrection Distillery in Lehighton dropped off over 200 pounds of turkey, while Hofford Mill dropped off over 360 pounds of turkey.

Valor Clinic foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to improving the lives of our nation’s veterans. They strive to improve access to quality of health care and shelter of veterans.