The 21st Annual Stockton Fire/Police Department and Food 4 Less Turkey Brigade will take place Thursday, December 15th at 9am. 520 turkeys totaling 8,000 pounds (4 tons) will be loaded onto Fire trucks, Police vehicles and the Food 4 Less truck to help feed hungry families during the holidays starting at 9am in front of the Food 4 Less Hammer Lane location.
At approximately 9:20am, the Turkey Brigade will make its way to the Emergency Food Bank Stockton/San Joaquin via Pacific Avenue.
“The Stockton Police Officer's Association is very excited to be able to partner with Food 4 Less and the Stockton Fire Department for this annual Turkey Drive. We hope that we can all help make Christmas a little brighter for those families in need this holiday season." Says Chuck Harris, Police Officers Association President.
“We look forward to this event every year and to teaming up the Stockton Police Officers Association and Food 4 Less/Rancho San Miguel Markets. This partnership allows us an opportunity to help the Emergency Food Bank reach families in need during the holidays.” Says Mario Gardea, Vice President Stockton Professional Fire Fighters Local 456
“Food 4 Less and Rancho San Miguel Markets are proud of the 21 year collaboration with our public safety partners and the Stockton Emergency Food Bank. This partnership represents a continued commitment to provide hope, food and safety to the community we serve.” Chris Podesto - Executive Director of Marketing Food 4 Less & Rancho San Miguel Markets.
The food bank is expected to hand out the turkeys during its December 19th giveaway said Emergency Food Bank Executive Director, Mike Donaghy. Donations, like these are “absolutely vital” in the nonprofit’s efforts to help combat hunger across the county. “I’m thankful for organizations and events like this.” Donaghy said. “I don’t think a child or a family ought to go without a good holiday meal or any meal in particular. A hungry child is unacceptable to me.”
Food Bank officials anticipate between 1,200-1,500 families for its December 19th giveaway. Each family receives a complete turkey and meal box. “No one person or no one group can donate it all, but everybody collectively meets the need.” Donaghy said. “We haven’t turned anybody away for the past 5 years, and I certainly don’t expect to have to turn anybody away this time.”
History of Turkey Brigade in numbers:
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Over 10,500 turkeys donated throughout the 21 year partnership
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APROXIMATELY 108,000 LBS 21 YEARS TIME….OR OVER 54 TONS