13th Annual SF TURKEY DRIVE Brings the Community Together to Fight Food Insecurity

December 3, 2024

Pierre Smit, donning his signature turkey hat, brought the community together on Saturday, November 23 for his annual SF TURKEY DRIVE.

I started with 440 turkeys at the beginning of the day, and we hope to reach 8 or 900 by the end of the drive.

Now in its 13th year, the SF TURKEY DRIVE collects turkeys to support organizations like St. Anthony  Foundation, GLIDE, Project Open Hand, and others that prepare meals for those in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas. Highlighting the urgency, Chris Padula, Chief Philanthropy and Engagement Officer at the SF-Marin Food Bank, explained, “One in five people are experiencing food insecurity. The need has increased since the pandemic.”

Smit’s initiative goes beyond providing food—it inspires others to take action. “It makes me feel like I can give someone something to be thankful for,” said participant Joshua Phillips, reflecting on the joy of giving back. Smit echoed this sentiment, saying, “I want to concentrate on the community where we are. It’s important to me.” Matched donations during this season make a big difference, with Padula noting, “If you give $10, it actually becomes $20, and that becomes 40 meals.”

If you missed November’s SF TURKEY DRIVE, another opportunity is just around the corner. “There’s another one on Saturday, December 21, at St. Emilia School in San Francisco,” Smit announced. His commitment remains unwavering: “I’ve done this for 13 years, and I hope to keep going for a long time.” Join the effort to ensure everyone in our community feels the warmth and care of a shared holiday meal.

To learn more about the SF TURKEY DRIVE and donate or volunteer, click on the following link: Turkey-drive.