The distinct smell of smoked turkey filled the air on South Commerce on Monday as the Ardmore Elks Lodge got ready for their annual Thanksgiving tradition.

Throughout the course of the day, the Elks smoked 280 turkeys then packaged them up in boxes to be delivered to families in need. Along with a smoked turkey, each box contained dinner rolls, cornbread, green beans and potatoes – enough food for a Thanksgiving meal for a family of four (with plenty of leftovers). Larger families of eight or more received two boxes.

The Elks also delivered smoked turkeys to area nonprofits such as the Family Shelter, Community Youth Services, and the Ardmore Veterans Center.

Jodi Woydziak is one of the Elks on the turkey committee, the group who organizes the event.

She said this is the 28th year the Ardmore Elks have smoked turkeys for local families in need.

“One of our older members decided to help the community by providing families in need with Thanksgiving dinner,” she said. “Back then we only had four or five smokers, and we only did around 80 turkeys or so. And here we are today.”

Woydziak said the committee began organizing this year’s event back in September by asking for sponsors to help pay for all of the food. The Elks Grand Lodge also provided a grant for the event.

Recipients were chosen in a variety of ways.

“We start by asking the schools, and we go as far out as Zaneis and Fox to ask for families in need,” she said. “We also ask local organizations and or local Elks members to nominate people.”

She said the cooking is an all-day event, but it’s well worth it.

“The smokers got started at around 6:30 (a.m.),” she said. “We expect to finish up around 10 tonight, but last year we finished at 7 (p.m.), so maybe we’ll get lucky.”