Locals prepare for Thanksgiving holiday

Thanksgiving is looking slightly different this year for some. Due to COVID-19, State Health Officials and the CDC are encouraging families to participate in small gatherings for the holiday. This may cause some families to buy a less amount of food. Store Manager Jeremiah Ward of Piggly Wiggly in Butler, AL says they are still seeing an uptick in sales after a slight decrease.

“My sales really haven’t been good compared to last year because people are staying at home and they’re not eating out as much so they're buying more groceries to cook at home so my sales have really picked up.”

The grocery store is also taking part in ‘gift bags for the needy’ initiative along with a local church.

“We are asking the customers to donate to needy families. We’ve set up a post up front and ask each customer to donate."

One Meridian resident says although his family is not able to meet in-person, they will still see each other this year. Taking advantage of technology, the family will meet via Zoom this year for Thanksgiving.

“I’m from California, my mom is still in Los Angeles. I have an uncle that’s in Australia, my dad is in Florida and I have an aunt that’s in Mexico. We’ll have the opportunity to see each other and converse and catch up. Everyone will have the opportunity to view what the other has cooked.”

Boger advises people who are getting the chance to come together to create an open space outside for everyone’s safety.