Community Corner

Mama Reacer's Staff Distributes Thanksgiving Turkeys

Del Ray restaurant staff handed out more than 150 birds on Monday.

Local in-need families will have something special in their ovens this Thanksgiving thanks to an effort from Mama Reacer’s in Del Ray.

Staff from the family-owned and operated restaurant handed out more than 150 turkeys on Monday afternoon and early evening working with a charity called God’s Promise. The nonprofit is also managed by a family member.

In-need families and individuals were able to register for turkeys through Mama Reacer’s website or over the phone. Monday was pickup day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Mount Vernon Avenue.

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“If someone needed a bird, they could come and get it,” said Dana Carter, a lifelong Alexandrian and one of the managers of the restaurant.

For those who didn’t register for a bird but came looking, staff told them they could return after 6 p.m. to grab an unclaimed turkey.

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Carter said the Harris Teeter at the Shops at Foxchase gave them a good deal on the turkeys. She said the aim was to make the turkeys available for Alexandria residents.

Monday’s effort was the ninth consecutive year God’s Promise has conducted a turkey giveaway.   

Mama Reacer’s recently extended its hours to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It regularly opens at 7 a.m. On Sundays, the soul food restaurant is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The restaurant was also recently redecorated with framed art and an orange paint job.

“It feels like you’re coming over to your mama’s house,” said Mama Reacer herself. 

Mama Reacer's is located at 1606 Mount Vernon Ave.


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