Abilene Turkey Drive
Fostering a stronger Abilene community through food, love & support!
About Abilene Turkey Drive
The idea of Abilene Turkey Drive began in 2020 during what was Covid-19. A group of our buddies were together visiting about how the pandemic would effect people differently and because of that, many children and families in the community might have a Thanksgiving that looked different this year as opposed to others.
We decided that we wanted to put some money together amongst ourselves and see if we could raise $1,000 from friends and family to help feed 6 families - one child, each grade, K-5th, at Bassetti Elementary for that Thanksgiving year. Through the power of Facebook and word of mouth - we had our $1,000 goal in about 1 hour! That first year we ended up raising enough money to cover one child per grade across 6 Elementary Schools in Abilene! 36 families total received a full Thanksgiving meal, plus brand new sweatshirts/jackets, and new backpacks.
2021 was a year of growth as we saw our total $ raised be able to reach 48 families, 6 families across 8 Elementary Schools. We were able to see the growth and realize the platform we created to really see this become a tremendous outreach so in 2022 we applied for our 501(c)3 non-profit tax exempt status and this enabled us to put on our inaugural ATD Turkey Tee Up Golf Tournament at the Abilene Country Club. This tournament exploded in year 1 with sponsorships and golf teams. We ended up having 52 golf teams in year 1 and raised enough money to provide for 6 families across all 14 AISD Elementary Schools and the 2 Wylie ISD Elementary Schools! Thanksgiving meal, jackets, & backpacks.
2023 is off to another record setting year as we have 58 golf teams for our event in late September. This year we are also adding a Thursday Night Pre-Party at Potosi Live with a catered dinner, live music, silent auction items, and a night of fun.
Annual Events
Turkey Tee Up
Location: Abilene Country Club North Course
Thursday, Sept 26th
Shotgun Start - 8:30am | 1:30pm
Turkey Tee Up Pre-Party
Location: Potosi Live
Friday, Sept 27th at 6pm
Buffet Dinner, (2) Drink Tickets, Live Music & Auction
Tickets available at the door.
How You Can Support
Donate
Your donation to Abilene Turkey Drive makes a significant impact on our mission to provide as many Thanksgiving meals to families in need in Abilene as possible. We are deeply grateful for your contribution, thank you for making a difference in the lives of those in need!
Volunteer
Whether supporting at our Pre Party, the Turkey Tee Up, or cooking and distributing meals for Thanksgiving, help is always needed! Reach out to us to see what volunteer opportunities are available!
Testimonials
"Families at my elementary school have been so blessed by the Abilene Turkey Drive. While many families have received a traditional Thanksgiving meal and warm coats for each child in the family, the Abilene Turkey Drive has also lifted spirits, provided hope, and fostered a family, school, and community connection. We are thankful for the Abilene Turkey Drive, and we look forward to continuing our partnership throughout the years."
- Jessalyn Woods
Bowie Elementary School Counselor
“Martinez Elementary has had the privilege of being blessed by ATD for many years now. This organization has blessed many of our families with their donations and have made their holidays memorable ones. Many of our students and their families would have gone without it was not for what this organization provided for them.
They not only provide items, but they also extend their fellowship and help our families to trust that good people do exist in our small town. I do not have enough words of gratitude for what this group has truly done for our families. They are a true representation of what it means to live in a community that helps and takes care of their own. Many blessings to this group!!!”
- Mildred Petty
Martinez Elementary School Principal
Thank you to our sponsors!
