As part of an annual Thanksgiving tradition, thousands of turkeys and meals are donated to those in need. 2025 saw over 200,000 donations in drives all around the country, as both organizations and individuals came together to help thousands of people through a potentially tough time.
With the holiday’s focus on giving thanks for all that is good in one’s life, Thanksgiving has seen an influx of various forms of donations, as many, especially those with more resources, seek to spread their blessings and give others even more to be thankful for.
As a Skyline student put it, “For me, this holiday is a great time to reflect … not just about the good things in my life, but also … how I help spread these … good things to others around me.”
This year, a number of massive giveaways were organized throughout the nation; one of the largest was in Clearwater, Florida, and the surrounding area. There, thanks to an anonymous donation, the local Salvation Army branch was able to distribute a remarkable 13,000 turkeys and meals to families along the western coast of Florida. FOX13 Tampa and MSN reported donors have been making these donations for the past 30 years, increasing the increments yearly.
Locally, western Washington has seen several such drives. In Tacoma, through a collaboration between the healthcare and Medicaid planner Coordinated Care, the Tacoma Police Department, and individual volunteers, over 1,000 turkeys and sides were collected through various drives and distributed to community members. The Eastridge Church in Seattle and Issaquah did the same, delivering approximately 1,500 turkeys and groceries to those in need.
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