We’ve seen an unprecedented demand since 2019. This season, we anticipate that trend continuing. We will need thousands of turkeys for Larimer County families. Help us make sure everyone in our community gets a hearty holiday meal.
The holidays are a time of giving and what better way to give back than by donating a frozen turkey to those in need? If you’re wondering where you can donate a turkey this Thanksgiving or Christmas, this guide covers local organizations, charities, and programs accepting frozen turkey donations.
Contact Local Food Banks
Food banks are always seeking turkey donations leading up to the holidays to help provide special meals for the community Before dropping one off, be sure to contact your local food bank to ask about
- Quantity – Some have limits on number of turkeys accepted
- Weight – Many require minimum 12 lb turkeys
- Packaging – May need to be bagged or boxed a certain way
- Labeling – Include weight, freeze date, and donor name
- Drop-off times – Ask when and where to bring turkey donations
Following their guidelines ensures your frozen turkey can be safely inventoried, stored, and distributed to hungry families in the area
Look for Turkey Drives
In the weeks before Thanksgiving and Christmas, many local groups organize turkey donation drives and events. Businesses, schools, churches, fire stations, and more may serve as drop-off locations. These turkey drives funnel birds directly to food banks and charities for holiday meals. Keep an eye out for ones happening in your community.
Shelters and Senior Centers
Homeless shelters, women’s shelters, and senior living facilities rely on turkey donations to serve special holiday meals. Call local shelters and senior centers in advance to learn about their needs and processes for contributing a frozen turkey.
Veterans Groups
Donate a turkey to a VFW post, American Legion, or student veterans group on a local college campus Many veterans organizations host holiday meals and can put your frozen turkey donation to good use
Churches and Nonprofits
Local congregations, charities, and nonprofit groups often distribute holiday food baskets to the needy. Contact nearby organizations to find out if they accept turkey contributions for these efforts.
Additional Turkey Donation Tips
- Ensure turkey is frozen solid and stored at 0°F before donating
- Check expiration date to donate before that date
- Double-bag or box turkey to prevent thawing
- Label turkey with weight, freeze date, and donor name
- Drop off during organization’s specified donation hours
- Consider gift card for organization to buy turkeys
- Ask what other holiday food items needed besides turkeys
Answering Common Frozen Turkey Donation Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about donating frozen turkeys:
What are the best places to donate a turkey?
Food banks, shelters, veterans groups, churches, and nonprofits organizing local turkey drives are great options.
When is the donation deadline?
Contact organizations for specific frozen turkey donation deadlines, usually 1-2 weeks before holiday.
What if my turkey is not fully frozen?
Only donate fully frozen turkeys stored properly at 0°F or below. Do not risk food safety with partially thawed birds.
Do I need to include my name?
Yes, labeling turkey with donor name lets organization acknowledge your holiday generosity.
What other items can be donated besides turkeys?
Ask charities about their needs for side dishes, desserts, grocery gift cards, and other holiday meal components.
Can I still donate if I don’t have a whole turkey?
You can donate a turkey breast, drumsticks, or gift card instead. Any contribution helps brighten the holidays!
Sharing the holiday spirit by properly donating a frozen turkey to local organizations in need is a rewarding experience. Your generous gift can make a real difference providing holiday cheer on the table this Thanksgiving and Christmas for community members facing hunger and hardship.
New Belgium Goodies for Early Birds!
The first 250 donors at both the Fort Collins and Loveland Tour de Turkey locations (see below) receive a coupon good for a 6-pack of beer at New Belgium*. We’ll also have several $50 New Belgium prize packages to give away.
Hospital workers donate frozen turkeys
FAQ
Can you donate frozen turkey?
When you donate a frozen turkey, there’s no way to guarantee someone kept it at a safe temperature or that manufacturers followed proper food safety protocols. And because of that uncertainty, food banks may not want to risk distributing them.
Can you donate leftover turkey?
Food banks must maintain high safety standards with the foods the collect and serve, so those donating should not plan to donate a fresh Thanksgiving turkey or any leftovers from a holiday meal.
Where can I donate a turkey in Denver?
- Ministry Outreach Center. Holly & 39th Avenue in Denver. Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Lawrence Street Shelter. SE corner of Park Avenue West and Lawrence Street in Denver. Nov. …
- The Crossing. 6090 Smith Road in Denver. …
- Red Rocks Church – Park Meadows. 9995 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree.
What organization is giving out free turkeys?
Food Banks
Food bank turkey distributions are usually held during the weekend before and days leading up to Thanksgiving. You can search by state or ZIP code for your local food bank, as well as food pantries.
Can you donate a frozen turkey to a food bank?
Try volunteering at a food pantry. Or, host a virtual Thanksgiving food drive to spice up your next holiday party. Before donating a frozen turkey to a food bank or pantry this Thanksgiving, learn who is accepting donations and what other ways you can help food banks.
Should you donate frozen turkeys during Thanksgiving?
Unless your local food bank has asked explicitly for frozen turkey donations, consider another way to give back during Thanksgiving. Food safety Feeding America takes food safety incredibly seriously. All the food distributed across the network of food banks, whether perishable or shelf-stable, has been appropriately checked and is safe to eat.
Do food banks donate Thanksgiving turkeys?
Food banks purchase a lot of food in bulk and at reduced wholesale prices. So, the money you would spend on a turkey might be more efficiently used as a donation to the food bank since they could buy a lot more food with it than an individual could at a local store. So, do food banks distribute them if I can’t donate a Thanksgiving turkey? Yes!
Should you donate a Turkey to food finders?
So, the money you would spend on a turkey might actually be more efficiently used as a donation to Food Finders, since we can buy a lot more food with it than an individual could at a local store. There are plenty of ways to get involved this holiday season beyond donating a turkey!
Can a food finders food bank store turkeys?
Food Finders Food Bank can deal with the same situation. During the holidays and year-round, food banks distribute a lot of food that needs to be refrigerated or frozen. With cold storage space already at a premium, many food banks would be hard-pressed to find space to store turkeys if individuals donated a number of them.
Where can I donate a Turkey in Denver?
Donations can be brought directly to the Middletown Food Pantry, 180 Main Street, Port Monmouth during business hours. Where can I donate my turkey in Denver? Drop Off Turkeys and Trimmings Today! Ministry Outreach Center. 5725 East 39th Avenue. Denver, CO 80207. Monday-Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Crossing. 6090 Smith Road. Denver, CO 80216.