Oct 16, 2013 4 min read

Since it started in 1983, 2000 Turkeys has become an annual tradition in Washington County, an opportunity for area residents to help out their neighbors in need. And for the past 30 years, Byron Smialek, one of the 2000 Turkeys founders, was a driving force behind the event, which makes it possible for thousands of Washington County families to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner when they might otherwise have to do without.

Last Friday on WJPA Radio, members of the 2000 Turkeys board remembered Smialek, who died Oct. 8 and recalled his dedication to the working poor and his belief that nobody should be denied the simple of joy of sitting down with their loved ones to a turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day.

“He was committed to 2000 Turkeys and making sure that families in Washington County got to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner together. It was very important to him; he dedicated a lot of his time and energy to it, and we appreciate what he did,” said David Rhome, a 2000 Turkeys board member.

Smialek’s passion and enthusiasm for 2000 Turkeys and the families it served never wavered, and he was equally grateful for the large donations made by businesses and the small contributions sent in by individuals and families, which he considered the backbone of the campaign. He was delighted by a jar full of change collected by an elementary school student and a $10 check written in memory of a loved one.

In an October 1985 column, Smialek wrote, “Whether you know it or not, whether your family appreciates it or not, you are fortunate to be working and able to feed your own family through the fruits of your labors. Not everyone around here can make that claim. Not everyone in Washington County who wants a job has one. Not everyone with job skills is able to use those skills. Not everybody who needs work has work.”

Smialek, Wayne Armstrong and Grace Hopwood founded 2000 Turkeys and were instrumental in growing it into the Greater Washington County Food Bank’s largest fundraiser.

When Armstrong died in 2010, Smialek said the poor and hungry of Washington County “lost the best friend they ever had.”

With Smialek’s passing, they lost another.

To contribute to 2000 Turkeys, make checks payable to 2000 Turkeys and mail to P.O. Box 2000, Washington, PA 15301.

Thank you to the following who contributed to the campaign:

Amy and Jay West, $30

Order of the Daughters of Penelope of Canonsburg, $1000

In memory of Adam Clark from Paula Clark, $20

G Jake and Pamela Ross, $25

Gary Johnson, $200

James and Debra Horvath, $50

Joseph and Carol Mazzetti, $50

In Memory of David A Cummins Sr from Charles & Ethel Cummins, $25

Mr. & Mrs. Eric S Volas, $25

Lori Lawton, $20

Bob Oglesby Electric, $50

Josephine Stotka, $20

Pete Kovatich Jr., $10

Terry and Jo Ellen Dalton, $100

Bernice Borkowski, $10

Dr. Michael Crabtree, $100

Louann Reed, $25

Charles and Janet Murray, $200

Peggy and Roger Dankowsky, $10

Amy and Joseph Solobay, $25

Mike and Heidi Neville, $25

In Memory of Donald and Lorna Tustin from Betty Cowden and Ann Cowden, $30

Thomas and Laraine Zawatski, $25

Raymond and Susann Shook, $25

Agnes Belcher, $30

In loving memory of Jim Horner from Darlene, Don, Dave, Marla and Joe, $50

Dorothy Clutter, $50

James and Judith Wheeler, $100

Raymond and Anna Zedel, $50

Duncan and Laurie Nickles, $50

Trinity Area Retired Cafeteria “Angels,” $50

George and Carol Kabay, $50

Ed and Elaine Morascyzk, $100

Dan and Vicky Crile, $50

A. Max and Debbie Knestrick, $25

Claysville American Legion Riders, $100

Peter and Ann Pozonsky, $25

Albert Devenney Jr., $50

Richard and Patricia Morflak, $50

David and Jane McKenery, $40

Wilbur and Jo Ann Holt, $50

Linda and Charles Kacvinsky, $50

Richard and Frances Shrontz, $25

Loretta Couts, $20

Richard Davidson, $25

Mildred E Smith, $50

In memory of Joyce Guzel from Frank and Verna Guzel and family, $100

Sandra and Bob Hohn, $50

Dan and Tina Jones, $50

Geraldine and Robert Roble, $20

Ron and Trudy Kosey, $50

Donald and Rose Tournay, $25

Randy Wylie, $50

Dick and Carol Earliwine, $25

Patricia and Albert Nagy, $25

Michael and Linda Hardoby, $25

Jane Popeck, $100

Charlie and Joan Hockenberry, $30

Anonymous, $25

Washington Lodge No. 164 F & AM Blue Knights, $2500