Local leaders organize Thanksgiving turkey giveaway, more than 300 birds to be distributed
Community and business leaders announced a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway to be held Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Jacksonville Area Community Food Center. The event will distribute more than 300 turkeys on a first come first served basis, providing short term relief for area families and reflecting broader community efforts to address food needs ahead of the holiday.
Community leaders in Morgan County announced on November 17 that they will distribute more than 300 turkeys to area households on Friday, November 21, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Jacksonville Area Community Food Center, 311 E. Morgan St. The event is organized by local business and civic leaders in partnership with state legislators and county officials, and will provide one turkey per household on a first come first served basis.
State Representatives Kyle Moore and C.D. Davidsmeyer and state Sen. Jil Tracy are among the participants who helped coordinate the effort alongside Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard, Meridian of Illinois, Rabbi Rob and Lauren Thomas, Hy Vee, DTE Technologies and the Morgan County commissioners. Organizers noted the goal is to ensure families in the Jacksonville area can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal and thanked sponsors for their support in the announcement published November 17.
The giveaway is intended to provide immediate, tangible relief for households facing tighter budgets during the holiday season. By distributing over 300 turkeys, organizers aim to reach several hundred family units across the county. The one turkey per household rule is designed to spread assistance broadly rather than concentrate resources with a few households, which increases the program's reach within a county of tens of thousands of residents.
Beyond providing meals on the holiday, the event carries modest economic implications for local households and the community. A donated turkey can reduce a household grocery bill at a time when many families face rising costs for food and energy. That relief can free up discretionary spending for other essentials, support local retailers who sell complementary goods, and reduce immediate demand on other emergency food services in the weeks surrounding Thanksgiving.
The involvement of state and local officials indicates a public private approach to short term hunger relief. While such events do not substitute for longer term policy solutions on poverty and food security, they show local capacity to mobilize resources quickly. For sponsors, participation also represents corporate and civic responsibility that complements government programs.
Residents planning to attend should arrive early on Friday, November 21, as distribution will operate from 9 a.m. to noon and turkeys are expected to be given out on a first come first served basis until supplies are exhausted. The Jacksonville Area Community Food Center is located at 311 E. Morgan St. Organizers encourage eligible households to take advantage of the giveaway and thanked community partners for their support in helping area families at the holiday.
