Auburn Food Closet to host 10th annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive

Auburn Interfaith Food Closet (AIFC) is offering its ninth annual Thanksgiving Turkey Drive to the community. When you shop at Auburn's Grocery Outlet or Save Mart through Nov. 22, a turkey can be purchased and the sponsoring store will hold the turkey for AIFC. Auburn Grocery Outlet, 414 Grass Valley Highway, will again host the turkey collection on Saturday, Nov. 22, in its parking lot. AIFC will accept donations of frozen turkeys at its table and the freezer truck, which will be in the parking lot. 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 through Friday, Nov. 21, to receive a turkey by going to the AIFC website, auburnfoodcloset.org. To provide for as many as possible, registrations will be limited to one turkey per household. Individuals are also invited to attend the Auburn Salvation Army Thanksgiving dinner held on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 2 p.m. at the Gold Country Fairgrounds. This is a community dinner and is free of charge. On Nov. 24, 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 500 turkeys were distributed last year. More registrations are anticipated this year, so greater community support is needed. "Auburn and the surrounding communities have always been generous," said Andy Hayes, AIFC president. "We know this past year has been challenging for many and we are grateful to the many donors who have made this a success in the past in helping to bring a little bit of 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 perishable items and supplemental holiday food for guests' Thanksgiving dinner. AIFC also thanks the Auburn Journal and Ryder Truck Rental and leasing for sponsoring and supporting this important annual event. Other events AIFC will host its annual "Walk to Stock" 5K or 10K walk or run on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 27, at 9 a.m. in front of Central Square. Registration and more information can be found at auburnfoodcloset.org.