Organizations need turkey donations to help local families have happy Thanksgiving

FELLSMERE—With the Operation Hope turkey giveaway for needy families set for Nov. 17, the Fellsmere organization is looking for donations to make the holiday a little brighter.

Turkey donations have been slow this year and prices are up, making the need for help even stronger, said Operation Hope president Jesse Zermeno.

Sitting down to a massive meal of home-cooked turkey, potatoes, gravy, and apple pie is something that many take for granted, but for some it’s a near impossibility, he said.

“Usually, we have at least 100 turkeys in the freezer and we can count on more coming in the week before, but I’m nervous about donations.”

Zermeno said he has ordered 200 turkeys that he will pay for through donations.

Volunteers from churches, schools and local businesses in Indian River and Brevard counties are helping Zermeno with his Thanksgiving food drive, with some donating turkeys, canned food, gift cards and monetary donations. 

“With everyone’s help, we hope assist at least 500 families this year with a Thanksgiving basket,” Zermeno said. “We’re depending on the community to help us meet that goal.”

Turkey donations also are needed at the Treasure Coast Food Bank in Fort Pierce, according to their website.

Each year, the food bank supplies turkeys to 100 partner organizations to help needy families. This year, the goal is to receive 1,500 turkeys.

To make donations easier, refrigerated trucks from the Treasure Coast Food Bank will be set up in St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River County on Nov. 10. to accept donations for their annual Turkey Drop.

“At this time of year, families who struggle with putting food on their table find it hard to afford a holiday meal,” said Judy Cruz, president and CEO of the Treasure Coast Food Bank. “By donating a turkey, you can help us ensure that everyone can experience the holiday tradition of coming together and sharing food as part of celebrations with family and the community.”

Where to donate:

Volunteers will accept turkey donations for the Treasure Coast Food Bank from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 10 at the following locations:

Indian River County:
Walking Tree Brewery, 3209 Dodger Road, Vero Beach

Winn Dixie- Sebastian, 995 Sebastian Blvd., Sebastian

St. Lucie County:

Archie’s Seabreeze, 401 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce

Publix- Taylor Creek, 1851 N. US 1, Fort Pierce

Perkin’s Restaurant, 9202 S. Federal Highway, Port St. Lucie

Publix- Tradition, 10400 SW Village Center Drive, Port St. Lucie

Martin County:

Publix- Stuart, 1501 NW Federal Highway, Stuart

Treasure Coast Harley Davidson, 4967 SE Federal Highway, Stuart

For more information or to donate, visit www.StopHunger.org.

Operation Hope

In addition to the turkeys, Operation Hope is looking donations of canned vegetables, potatoes, cranberry sauce, gravy mix and stuffing.

Donations can be brought to Operation Hope at 12285 CR 512 in Fellsmere from from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 12-16. The Thanksgiving basket giveaway starts at 1 p.m. Nov. 17.

For more information about donating, call (321) 403-2604.