A few lucky Thanksgiving turkeys in the US have been pardoned for decades. The White House tradition started more than a hundred and twenty years after President Abraham Lincoln spared a turkey named Jack at the request of his son. The enduring significance of a not-so-rare breed on America’s holiday is not lost on the people driving charitable nonprofits and businesses across Southern Colorado.
This Thanksgiving, several local organizations, including the Manitou Springs Volunteer Fire Department, King Soopers grocery stores and many others, are supporting their communities by raising money and supplying family services for those in need.
We got the opportunity to speak with several volunteers who have been giving back for years, and ask them what gratitude means to them.
MSVFD 101st Annual Turkey Shoot
The MSVFD 101st Annual Turkey Shoot is happening November 15 at 6 p.m. at City Hall, and the community is invited for an evening of fun, food and giving back. Enjoy a complimentary dinner featuring delicious cuisine from Manitou restaurants, as well as getting a chance to win a frozen turkey. The event is a fundraiser with proceeds going toward scholarships for local high school students, a food basket program and other community efforts.
“[Adam’s Mountain Café] has been involved with the Turkey Shoot for more than twenty-five years. In the beginning, we donated cash for the dinner, then we started to contribute food and somewhere along the line my husband David was asked to cook the turkeys as we moved into a larger space with a bigger kitchen,” says Farley McDonough, owner of Adam’s Mountain Cafe.
“Whatever the Volunteer Fire Department has asked for we provide, including dinner rolls for 200,” McDonough says. “The Turkey Shoot is one of the more cherished events in town and we are proud to be part of it. During this time of food insecurity, we need to make sure we are taking care of our people.”
If you go
Take a Turkey to Work Day
The holiday season is a time to bring people together, and on November 21, join King Soopers and the Care and Share team and volunteers who will be collecting frozen turkey donations at participating locations in Colorado Springs, Pueblo and Alamosa. On Friday, volunteers will stand outside with signs and turkey costumes, and collect frozen turkeys from shoppers, and on November 22 they distribute them to their partners across the region.
“I have been a Care and Share volunteer for more than ten years, helping with whatever the organization needs,” said Mary Lasch. “It is my passion and has been a large part of my life ever since I retired, vowing to try to help at least one child not go hungry every day. I grew up hungry and know what it’s like. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I feel in my heart that there should be a turkey on every table. Truly no child or senior should ever go hungry. I volunteer at the Care and Share Sunshine Market, and see firsthand how food insecurity is increasing in this area.”
If you go
Turkey Trot 5K and Kids’ Tiny Trot
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a healthy start at the 28th Annual Turkey Trot 5K and Kids’ Tiny Trot. The race annually attracts more than 4,000 participants to start off their Thanksgiving Day! This event is a major fundraiser to provide scholarships for local families, ensuring access to YMCA, and is a family- and dog-friendly event.
“I started volunteering for the race series almost seven years ago, and am a photographer as well, so I like to donate my time to take pictures of the day,” says Victoria Atencio, the marketing and communications director. “We have so many participants coming all over the city for the Turkey Trot, and it is really a great event. I’ve volunteered in wind, rain and snow, as well as beautiful weather. The entrance fees raise money for the YMCA, helping to provide scholarships for those in need in our community.”