Man sells rifles, buys turkeys for needy families

updated 7:46 p.m. ET Nov. 21, 2007

MERRILL, Wis. - A man in failing health has sold his hunting rifles to buy 100 turkeys for needy families this Thanksgiving.

Pat Callahan said he can no longer hunt deer because his kidneys are failing, so he decided to sell his guns to help others.

“It will help at least 1,000 people to have a better Thanksgiving and a good Christmas,” said Callahan, who’s in his mid-50s.

Families in need can get vouchers from the Merrill Food Pantry, then pick up their birds at local grocery stores. The owners of two local groceries said they have given out almost 75 turkeys so far.

Callahan said he and his wife don’t make much money, but they like to make a difference.

“A donation is a big thing for us,” he said.

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