Members of the Peachtree City Police Department, and several needy families, received smoked turkeys for the holidays in what has become a tradition for a local man and several grocery stores.

The turkeys, donated by the city's three Kroger stores, were smoked by George Vuduris of Vuduris Marketing last week and presented to police officers and workers. Several turkeys were also delivered to needy families in the city who officers personally knew, said Police Chief James Murray.

The labor of love, which began for Vuduris at 5 a.m. last Thursday, has become a tradition. Again this year, his son Zachary Vuduris helped pitch in with the smoking, which took place in a custom-made smoker hauled to the parking lot of the police department.

This is the third year Vuduris and Kroger have partnered up in the effort. This year, the ladies of Hoshizaki America donated desserts to go along with the turkeys, Vuduris said.

Murray noted that the officers genuinely appreciate the effort, and its one of the few times he lets his officers accept something from the public for free.

Paul Yellina, manager of the Braelinn Kroger store, said the annual event is a way for the store to give