Watch the video below for a recap of the event:
A record setting year for the ABC 27 Turkey drive thanks to you. We have raised more than $85,000 to help feed families this Thanksgiving.
Hundreds of neighbors and businesses showing out with love — in the form of turkeys Thursday.
For some our turkey drive has become a tradition.
Why did you decide to come and give turkeys to us today?
"I always do, it's part of my Thanksgiving tradition as I share with others," said Jackie Livingston, a Tallahassee neighbor.
For others, it’s a chance to give back with their time as well.
"It's holiday season. We got Thanksgiving coming up and everybody loves food and I want to make sure everybody has something to eat," said Earl Little Jr, a local volunteer.
It’s taken a village to reach these numbers, including a $25,000 donation match from Creative Kids.
For Cameron Kise, founder of Creative Kids, the reason why he wanted to help was simple — "There really are a lot of kids facing food insecurity, and there is no reason that any person in our community should go hungry," said Kise.
That’s a mission felt by our law enforcement partners too — TPD, TFD, and LCSO showed out in full force donating over 200 turkeys in total.
"If w e can bring some joy by getting some food to those families, it makes the world so much better," said Sheriff Walt McNeil.
Second Harvest said reaching these goals right now is so important as this turkey drive kicks off their holiday season.
"Hundreds of people have been driving up and dropping off turkeys with just so much cheer and joy in their hearts, and they just share a little bit of that with us, and then we get to turnaround and love on 1500 families," said Monique Ellsworth, CEO of Second Harvest of the Big Bend.
This food will be distributed on Saturday, beginning at 7am at the Governor's Square Mall for Second Harvest's Thanksgiving turkey distribution.
Original:
Since 2014, ABC 27 & the Second Harvest have teamed up to collect frozen turkeys and monetary donations for Thanksgiving meals.
Right now, we're accepting turkey donations at two locations: Bannerman Crossing and Ponce de Leon Park in Tallahassee until 6:30 p.m.
You can also make a monetary donation here if you cannot make it to a drop-off location.
The Thanksgiving Distribution will be held on Saturday, November 22nd, at Governor's Square Mall beginning at 7:00 a.m.
LIVE BLOG:
8:35 a.m.:
County Commissioner Christian Caban and City Commissioner Dianne Williams-Cox stopped by to make a donation at the Ponce de Leon Park location.
9:00 a.m.:
The Tallahassee Fire Department donated 75 turkeys towards our annual drive!
9:15 a.m.:
Searcy Law just made a $5k donation to Second Harvest to help feed families this holiday season.
9:20 a.m.:
Tallahassee Roofing donates 100 turkeys!!!
10:00 a.m.:
Tallahassee Police Department donates 84 turkeys!
1:00 p.m.:
Ausley McMullen Law Firm donates 16 turkeys!
1:15 p.m.:
Shore Up Foundation makes a $1k donation at Bannerman Crossing location.
2:00 p.m.:
Maclay School donates more than 100 turkeys!!!
5:15 p.m.:
Joy Squad donates six turkeys and snacks for Second Harvest staff.
5:45 p.m.:
Ron Dugans, former wide receiver coach at FSU and former player, and his family donated 5 turkeys.
6:10 p.m.:
Tallahassee Corvette Club donates 20 turkeys!
6:20 p.m.:
Leon County Sheriff's Office donates 50 turkeys!
Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website.
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