Help a Family in Need with Operation Turkey

With the holidays approaching, it is time to not only think about what we are thankful for, but also how we can improve the lives of others. With Operation Turkey, you can help provide Thanksgiving dinner for families in Prince William, giving them another thing to be for thankful for this year. Each year, Operation Turkey gives more than 800 families in the Greater Prince William area their Thanksgiving meals. You can donate food, money, grocery store cards, or even volunteer to help to be part of this program.

Food Donations

If you want to donate food, drop it off at Manassas Adventist Prep School at 8225 Barrett Drive. You can choose to drop it off Saturday, Nov. 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., or Friday, Nov. 17 at the same time. Operation Turkey has a list of suggested food items, including canned vegetables, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, cornbread or muffin mix, sweet potatoes, canned pumpkin, regular potatoes, canned fruit or applesauce, Bisquick, dry beans, rice, soup, pasta and sauce, boxed desserts, Jello or pudding, coffee, tea, cocoa, jelly, peanut butter, flour, and sugar.

Donate Money

If you don’t want to drive to the grocery store, just make a donation of any amount online or by mailing a check to Northern Virginia Family Service, ATTN: Operation Turkey. When donating, keep in mind that $50 will give a family with four people a complete holiday meal. Don’t worry about Operation Turkey getting too many donations. If they receive more than they need, they will give the money to the areas of the community where it is most needed.

Donate a Grocery Store Card

Look at the list of recommended food donations, and you’ll notice nothing is perishable, which is planned. However, you can also donate grocery store gift cards so families can buy perishable items like their turkey or fresh produce. Send gift cards to the same address as your checks. NVFS suggests gift cards for Shoppers Food Warehouse, but any grocery gift card is appreciated.

Volunteer Your Time

There are plenty of chances to volunteer with Operation Turkey, and you can even do so with your family or friends. Volunteer times are available between Friday, Nov. 10 and Sunday, Nov. 19. Tasks include organizing and sorting the food, combining it into meal packages, and helping distribute the food.

Other Ways to Help

For those who want to do more than just help with Thanksgiving dinner, North Virginia Family Service is also organizing Gifting for Families. This program collects toys for kids in the area so they can enjoy presents during the holiday season.

Hop in your vehicle from Miller Toyota and drive to your local Manassas, Virginia, supermarket to buy the items you want to donate this Thanksgiving.