Chuck Gerding, owner of Gerding Enterprises, donated 500 turkeys to local first responders on Dec. 9.
According to a Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Facebook post, Gerding’s turkeys went to the employees at the Sheriff’s Office, High Ridge Fire Protection District, Byrnes Mill Police Department, Cedar Hill Fire Protection District, Jefferson County 911 Dispatch, North Jefferson County Ambulance District and the Big River Ambulance District.
Gerding also organizes an annual BackStoppers BBQ event in Cedar Hill to raise money for first responders and their families. This year, the BBQ raised $151,205.80.
Gerding Enterprises is a metal fabrication company located in Dittmer.
“When it comes to generosity, thoughtfulness and supporting first responders, it’s hard to beat the amazing team at Gerding Enterprises,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “We can’t thank them enough for all they do for first responders.”
Gerding said the turkeys were purchased from the High Ridge Walmart.
“We donate these every year; this is our sixth or seventh year of doing it,” he said.
“I want to give a shoutout to the High Ridge Walmart. They gave us a good price on the turkeys.”