Ozzie T. Cougar delivers turkeys to needy families

A 6-foot cougar attacked 100 turkeys Thursday, lifting one after another from their nest in St. Charles.

The turkeys were all frozen, stacked tall in a small trailer at the Joe K. Anderson Community Center, and were then delivered one at a time to families in need by the Kane County Cougars minor league baseball team mascot, Ozzie T. Cougar. Members of the Geneva-based baseball team staff, including the costumed mascot, volunteered their time in the afternoon rain to help the Salvation Army Tri-City Corps in the annual charity work.

The Cougars donated the 100 turkeys.

“We want to be good neighbors,” said Shawn Touney, Cougars public relations director. “It’s a fun event.”

Major Jon Miller of the Salvation Army said about 300 families applied for holiday help this year, and all will get food donated by local businesses.

“A lot of people wait,” Miller said. “They may be embarrassed and wait for a break that will help. We’re finding that many people who used to be our donors are now coming through for help.”

Miller also said families can still apply for help through Christmas by visiting the center, 1710 S. 7th Ave., St. Charles, from 9 to 11 a.m. Wednesdays.

All applicants must bring a photo ID for each adult in the home, proof of income and copies of birth certificates for all children in the home. Every family that applies will get food and food vouchers.