News 12 First at Five / Monday, Nov. 21, 2011

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- Hundreds showed up for the annual James Brown Turkey Giveaway, but things were a little different this year -- you had to register to receive a turkey.

The change brought fewer crowds, but there was plenty of soul to go around.

"When I hear music," said Venisha Brown as she danced to the music, "I just can't help it."

It would not be a James Brown event without a member of the Brown family showing off a little footwork.

"I have gotten on the good foot," Venisha said. "I really tried to get you get on the good foot, but you wouldn't."

The day is all about helping people like Mary Donaldson and Annie Lewis who depend on the giveaway to help put food on the table each Thanksgiving.

"I have never missed a giveaway," Donaldson said.

"It means a lot," Lewis said. "It helps me."

The customary long lines and wait times were gone this year. The family gave out around 500 turkeys instead of the usual 1,000.

"And it just goes to show the abuse," said Deanna Brown Thomas about the old process. "It just wasn't fair."

Each recipient now has to register for one turkey per household. The family admits the Godfather of Soul may not have been happy about the new process.

"Daddy looked at things differently," Deanna said. "That's because he had the pockets to look at things differently."

The Brown foundation now depends on donations from sponsors like Walmart, Comcast, Amerigroup and the MLK Foundation in Atlanta.

"Know that you are going to have to register," Deanna said. "Listen to the radio. Watch News 12."

We'll provide the registration dates and the family will provide the food and entertainment.

"I love all the family members," Donaldson said. "But we really miss James Brown."

Al Sharpton was not able to attend this year's turkey giveaway. He is expected to attend the toy giveaway Dec. 19 at the James Brown Arena.

The toy giveaway starts at 9 a.m. You will also have to register for the toy giveaway. You can register during the next three Saturdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at the James Brown Arena. Parents will need to bring their ID and their child's birth certificate.