Special Events

17^th Annual Turkey Drive

All three of our sites in Fresno, Bakersfield, and Merced will be holding a Turkey Drive this year to serve families in the greatest of need this holiday season. But we can’t do it without your help. For more information or if you’d like to volunteer at any of the events below, please call (559) 237-0851.

Fresno

This year marks the 17th Annual Turkey Drive in partnership with KSEE24. On Tuesday, November 25th, we’ll call on the community to help feed hungry families this holiday season with a Thanksgiving meal. From 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., we will be ready to come to your car to take your turkey donation as you drive through the KSEE24 parking lot located at 5035 E McKinley Ave, Fresno, CA 93727.

Remember, this day is dedicated to collecting turkeys only. No turkeys will be distributed at KSEE24 during the Turkey Drive. See below for distribution information.

We are also looking for monetary donations to make this effort a success. Our goal is to raise at least $85,000 to help purchase turkeys and the needed supplies for the holiday meal boxes that will be given to those less fortunate.

Distribution

We will be distributing turkeys and holiday meal boxes at Catholic Charities on Wednesday, November 26th at 149 N. Fulton Street, Fresno, CA 93701, beginning at 8:00 a.m., on a first come, first served basis. This will NOT be a drive-thru distribution, and please note that people begin lining up very early. We anticipate serving over 1,500 families this year!

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Merced

Please consider donating a Turkey that will feed a local family in need this Thanksgiving! Our goal is to feed 500 families this year! You can donate a turkey one of two ways:

1. Bring it to mass at St. Patrick’s or Sacred Heart on either Sunday, November 9th, Sunday, November 16th or Sunday, November 23rd. Our truck will be at mass collecting donations from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
2. You can also deliver your turkey to Catholic Charities, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at 336 W. Main Street, Merced, CA 95340.

We are also seeking monetary donations that will allow us to purchase turkeys and the needed supplies to make up a holiday meal box. These items include instant stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy and more.

Host a Food Drive

If your school or business is interested in hosting a food drive to collect the needed items, please click here or contact:

Distribution

We will be distributing turkeys and holiday meal boxes at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on Monday, November 24th located at 671 E Yosemite Ave, Merced, CA 95340 beginning at 8 a.m., on a first come, first serve basis. This will be a drive-thru distribution ONLY. If you do not have a vehicle for this distribution, visit us back at Catholic Charities on this day after 1 p.m.