Auburn Food Closet to host 8th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive

Auburn Interfaith Food Closet (AIFC) is offering its eighth annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive to the community. AIFC will collaborate with three local stores from Nov. 1-18. When you shop at Auburn's Grocery Outlet, Save Mart or Safeway, a turkey can be purchased and the sponsoring store will keep the turkey for AIFC until distribution day Monday, Nov. 20. Auburn Grocery Outlet, 414 Grass Valley Highway, will again host the turkey collection day on Saturday, Nov. 18, in its parking lot. On collection day, AIFC will accept donations of frozen turkeys at its table and the freezer truck, which will be in the parking lot. Collected turkeys will go directly to families living in the AIFC service area (Loomis to Emigrant Gap and Lake of the Pines to Foresthill). Families in need are invited to register now through Friday, Nov. 18, to receive a turkey by going to the AIFC website, auburnfoodcloset.org. On Nov. 20, a turkey will be provided to each registrant in the order of registration on a first-registered, first-served basis, as AIFC can only provide a turkey to as many families as the number of turkeys donated. More than 400 turkeys were distributed last year. More registrations are anticipated this year, so greater community support is needed. Due to food safety concerns, AIFC is not able to provide a frozen turkey to its unsheltered guests. They are invited to attend the Auburn Salvation Army Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 2 p.m. at the Gold Country Fairgrounds. This is a community dinner and is free of charge. "Auburn and the surrounding communities have always been generous," said Andy Hayes, AIFC president. "We are grateful to the many donors who have made this event a success in the past and are thankful to them for helping bring a nice Thanksgiving meal and some happiness to those in need." Donations can also be made through the AIFC Virtual Turkey Drive on the website. Monetary gifts to the virtual drive will help AIFC buy produce, perishable items and supplemental holiday food for guests' Thanksgiving dinner. Other events Empty Bowl Auburn will also take place in November. This is a fundraising event sponsored by the Faith Lutheran Church and Bethlehem Lutheran Church with proceeds going to AIFC to help feed neighbors in need. For $25, enjoy a simple meal of soup, bread and desserts in a bowl you take homemade by a local artisan. Many local restaurants will be donating their soups and bread. Seating is limited, so those wanting to attend can register and purchase their ticket at auburnfoodcloset.org. AIFC will also host its annual "Walk to Stock" 5K or 10K walk or run on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 23, at 9 a.m. in front of Central Square. Registration and more information can be found at auburnfoodcloset.org.