Quick Read
- Walkup Firm will host its 3rd Annual Turkey Giveaway in San Francisco on November 22, distributing 700 turkeys and meal gift certificates to families in need.
- The event partners with local schools and relies on dozens of volunteers from the community.
- Walkup will make a special donation to Lowell High School to support education and service.
- In Alexandria, Re-Entry Solutions faces sponsor withdrawal and is appealing for community donations to continue their turkey giveaway tradition.
- These giveaways highlight the importance of local generosity and community solidarity during the holiday season.
As November draws to a close and Thanksgiving approaches, the spirit of giving is alive and well in American communities. In San Francisco, the Walkup, Melodia, Kelly & Schoenberger law firm is preparing for its 3rd Annual Turkey Giveaway, an event that has become a cherished tradition for both organizers and participants. This Saturday, November 22, Lowell High School will transform into a hub of warmth and generosity, where 700 turkeys and holiday meal gift certificates will be distributed to families in need.
The event is more than a simple handout—it’s a celebration of community bonds and shared gratitude. Partnering with the Lowell High School Alumni Association and eight local schools, Walkup has created a system to identify families who would benefit most from a Thanksgiving meal. Dozens of volunteers, including current students, alumni, and firm members, will spend the day handing out turkeys and sharing in the festivities. Doris Cheng, a Walkup shareholder and proud Lowell alumna, describes the event as a renewal of purpose: “Spending the day with our friends, neighbors, and the Lowell High School students reminds us how fortunate we are to belong to such a vibrant community.”
But the commitment to giving back doesn’t stop with the turkey giveaway. The firm will also make a special donation to Lowell High School, recognizing the institution’s ongoing dedication to education, leadership, and community service. Valerie Rose, another Walkup shareholder, emphasizes that giving is central to the firm’s identity: “Giving back is at the heart of who we are as a firm, and we’re grateful for the chance to stand with our community and help make the holiday season a little brighter for local families.” For over six decades, Walkup has been a pillar of advocacy in Northern California, representing injured individuals and supporting causes that strengthen local communities. (ABC7 News)
Meanwhile, in Alexandria, Louisiana, Re-Entry Solutions is facing a challenge that highlights both the vulnerability and resilience of community initiatives. The nonprofit’s annual turkey giveaway has long been a beacon of hope for residents of the Sonia Quarters, providing not just a meal but a sense of connection during the holidays. This year, however, their primary sponsor backed out, threatening the tradition’s continuation. In response, Re-Entry Solutions has turned to the broader community, asking for donations of turkeys, funds, or other food items by November 20. They’ve even secured a discount for turkey donations, hoping that neighbors will rally to fill the gap.
The call for help is a reminder that even the most enduring traditions rely on the support of ordinary people. “Our annual turkey giveaway has been a vital tradition, providing a warm meal and a sense of connection during the holiday season,” the organization shared. For those able to contribute, donations can be dropped off at their Branch Street location, underscoring the importance of local engagement in sustaining community programs. (KALB)
What emerges from these stories is a portrait of communities that refuse to let setbacks dampen their collective spirit. Whether it’s a well-established law firm leveraging its resources or a grassroots nonprofit appealing to neighbors, the effort to ensure no family goes without a Thanksgiving meal is a testament to the resilience and compassion woven into the fabric of American society.
Behind the scenes, these giveaways require meticulous planning—identifying families, securing supplies, coordinating volunteers, and navigating unexpected hurdles like lost sponsorships. The fact that such events continue, year after year, speaks volumes about the depth of commitment among organizers and the willingness of communities to step up in times of need.
For many recipients, the turkey giveaway is more than a meal—it’s a sign that they are seen, valued, and supported. In a year marked by economic uncertainty for many, the comfort of a shared holiday tradition can be a powerful antidote to isolation and hardship. The volunteers and donors, too, find meaning in their participation, often returning each year to reconnect and reaffirm their place within the community.
Looking ahead, the hope is that these events will inspire others to create similar traditions, whether through organized efforts or simple acts of kindness. The impact of a turkey giveaway may be measured in pounds of food, but its true value lies in the sense of belonging and hope it cultivates among participants.
While the challenges faced by organizations like Re-Entry Solutions highlight the fragility of community support systems, the continued success of events like Walkup’s turkey giveaway demonstrates that when people come together, generosity can overcome obstacles. These stories remind us that a single meal can nourish not just the body, but the bonds that hold a community together.