For most of us, carving a turkey is synonymous with visions of family celebrations and holiday traditions. But thousands of our neighbors struggle to put food on the table for their families on a daily basis. So, when it comes to the holiday season, the notion of setting a traditional “feast” is often beyond their reach. Imagine the holidays with no turkey. That’s where you can make a joyful difference!

United Food Bank is hosting its annual turkey drive to provide holiday meals to families in need throughout the East Valley and Eastern Arizona. The goal is to collect 5,000 turkeys.

“It is so fulfilling each year to see the turkey donations come in as a result of our community’s strong support,” notes United Food Bank CEO Dave Richins. “Each and every donation helps provide a protein-rich holiday meal for a household struggling with hunger.”

When you go to the store to purchase your own family’s turkey, consider picking up an extra one for someone else’s table. Actual turkeys and monetary donations to purchase more turkeys will be collected at United Food Bank’s Javelina Volunteer Annex in Mesa on the following dates and times:

United Food Bank Javelina Volunteer Annex at 358 E. Javelina in Mesa:

November 18 –           8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

November 21 –           3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

November 22 –           8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Mesa Convention Center at 263 N. Center St. in Mesa:

November 21 –           6:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

United Food Bank works with more than 200 community partners to serve nearly 275,000 Arizonans in need living in the East Valley and Eastern Arizona and is a member of the Feeding America network.