LeOtis Williams is perhaps best known in the community as the owner of LW’s Lawn Service, the owner of LeOtis Williams Rental Properties or the man who gives away turkeys and side dishes to disadvantaged families on Thanksgiving.

In recent years, Williams has also given away memberships to the East Suffolk Recreation Center.

However, Williams now is taking his philanthropy worldwide. He is donating $5,000 from his lawn service budget — originally earmarked for the purchase of a riding lawnmower — to the American Red Cross for Haiti earthquake relief.

“Instead of purchasing this equipment, I decided it would be better used to help these families in Haiti,” Williams said. “With all the devastation, I wanted to reach out and help the families in Haiti.”

Last week, Williams spoke at the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration. That was when the idea came about to challenge other business owners.

“I decided to challenge other businesses to match it or do as much as they can possibly do,” Williams said. “That’s how the challenge came about.”

The generous donation will not change the turkey giveaway, Williams said. He still plans to give away turkeys and fixings at Thanksgiving this year, and even aims to increase the number of families helped.

“It’s all about giving back and just helping,” Williams said. “I just thank God that I’m in a position to be able to help those less fortunate.”