It’s that time of year when families gather around the table, dress up nicely, host awkward conversations, and eat more than their stomachs can handle.
However, Thanksgiving can be rather expensive. Luckily, folks in Tucson care for others in the community, and there are a few options for those in need of a helping hand. Some of these events are offering turkeys and others are serving up full meals.
We’ll keep updating the list when we discover more options.
TUSD’s Turkey Drive
Friday, November 1 from 9 – noon
1302 S. Avenida Vega
The Tucson Unified School District is hosting a turkey drive to support families in need this holiday season from 9 a.m. – noon. The community can drop off frozen turkey donations at the Palo Verde Family Resource Center located at 1302 S. Avenida Vega.
Frozen Turkey Drive for Gospel Rescue Mission
Thursday, November 7 from 8 – 11 a.m.
6245 E. Broadway Blvd. #400
“We are collecting frozen turkeys or monetary donations for the Gospel Rescue Missions Thanksgiving Blessings Dinner. Come drive by NOVA Home Loans on November 7 and drop off your frozen turkey. We’ll be on the lawn outside next to the Coffee Truck! As a thank you for your donation, we hope you will enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and pastry.”
Nova Home Loans Turkey Drive
Thursday, November 14 from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
6893 N. Oracle Rd.
“Help us reach our goal of 250 frozen turkeys and $2,000 to support The Salvation Army in feeding families this Thanksgiving. Simply drive by NOVA Home Loans at 6893 N. Oracle Rd. and drop off a frozen turkey, or you can easily donate by scanning the QR code!”
Community Food Bank’s Holiday Harvest Food and Fund Drive
Thursday, November 14 from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.
4701 N. Stone Ave.
“Thanksgiving Week brings our busiest day of the year. Help us get ahead of the rush by taking part in the Holiday Harvest Food Drive on Thursday, November 14 outside Sam’s Club on 4701 N. Stone Ave. We’ll be collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. with live broadcasts throughout the day on 94.9 MIXfm, and with support from 96.1 KLPX, Rock102.1, and ESPN TUCSON 1490AM! Plus Tucson Electric Power will be generously matching the first 20K in donations!”
Lerner and Rowe’s Thanksgiving Meal Giveaways
Sunday, November 17 at 10 a.m.
260 S. Church Ave.
“At this FREE Tucson indoor Thanksgiving festival, Lerner and Rowe will be giving away 1,000 Thanksgiving meal packages to include goodies to make a traditional holiday meal will be given away outside the building. There will also be games outdoors and a bounce house, popcorn, and Lerner & Rowe Gives Back swag given away indoors.”
Arizona Bilingual Newspaper’s Thanksgiving Festival
Saturday, November 16 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
3770 S. 16th Ave.
“Arizona Bilingual Newspaper announces its 13th Annual Thanksgiving Festival, which will take place on Saturday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Entry to the event is FREE all day! Up to 1,000 gift cards will be distributed to help with purchasing a turkey or Thanksgiving dinner assistance.”
Mobile Food Bank
Now until the end of December 2024
Multiple Locations
“The Mobile Food Bank brings a full food bank experience directly to our clients in the areas where they live. Registration is available onsite. Bring a picture ID showing residence in Pima County or a rent or utility bill documenting your name and address.”
The Salvation Army Tucson
Thursday, November 28 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
1002 N. Main Ave.
“We are so grateful to serve Thanksgiving to our neighbors! Hundreds of local volunteers will help to prepare and cook the traditional Thanksgiving meal including turkeys and holiday sides and we are giving thanks for each and every one. If you are alone, without a home, in need of a hot meal, or simply wish to share in the fellowship of neighbors, please join The Salvation Army Tucson for a free delicious Thanksgiving meal. Everyone is welcome!”
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
