Turkey Drive Reaches Goal

Antonio C. Lavoy, Sr. reported the key facts of this article, in addition to video and photo journalism of this event.

A Turkey drive held in New Britain over the weekend of November 17th and 18th was a part of a successful effort by Foodshare to supply Thankgiving meals to thousands of people in need this year.

City Treasurer Ron Jakubowski organized the 2018 event, which was held at the New Britain Costco. At the event, people donated turkeys, other food and money to help supply food for people in need.

Numerous students, community residents and local activists were joined by city leaders, volunteering to make the event successful.

City Council members, Ald. Manny Sanchez (D-AL), Ald. Francisco Santiago, (D-5), Ald Richard Reyes (D-AL) and Ald. Iris Sanchez, (D-3) were joined by Fire Chief Raul Ortiz in the helping with the drive. Mayor Erin Stewart delivered a cash donation in support of the effort.

Former New Britain political leader Jason Jakubowski, who is the President and CEO of Foodshare, was in attendance at the New Britain event. The New Britain turkey drive was one of a number of similar events that were a part of the larger Foodshare pre-Thanksgiving food and fundraising campaign.

On November 19th, Jason Jakubowski exclaimed online, “We did it! 15,621 turkeys collected means 15,621 Greater Hartford families will be able to have Thanksgiving dinner!”

Jakubowski says that the organization is still taking monetary donations at its website at foodshare.org in support of its continuing work to ameliorate hunger.