Instead of a turkey this year we got a $25 gift certificate to a local grocery chain. And since I don't shop at that particular franchise I gave it away.
Just curious - do you not shop at that franchise because it is not a convenient location????
If you gave it to someone in need, that is admirable.
However, if you gave it away simply because you don't want to shop at "that particular franchise", it is like giving away $25 cash.....
I could always stop at a store that is not my favorite store and spend a $25 gift certificate.
As far as the rest of the thread............ In 35 years, there have been times we have given our turkey to a food bank, given it to someone we personally knew that was in need (with other items to make up a great Christmas dinner) - and believe it or not - even working at UPS, there were times that we "needed" it ourselves. I don't understand the ungrateful attitude that some seem to display. I certainly hope that you don't have the same attitude with friends and relatives who give you a "thank-you" gift and it isn't exactly what you would like to have...
JMHO
On a side note - one of my favorite pictures of our eldest son - he was about 6 months old, sitting in the box our UPS turkey came in - the box said "Young Turkey" .... He was grinning to beat the band....