Douglas High School Block D members unload the food they purchased from Smith’s for the Carson Valley Food Closet.
Photo by Sarah Drinkwine.
With a week and half until Thanksgiving, Douglas High School Block D students have less than half that time to raise $5,000 for their annual turkey drive shopping on Nov. 20.
This year instead of going door-to-door like students have in the past, monetary donations are being requested through Aktivate, an online fundraising site.
For more than 20 years, the Douglas High School Block D Club has brought in thousands of pounds of food and goods for the Carson Valley Food Closet during the annual Turkey Drive.
Each year, students raise funds to purchase perishable and nonperishable goods from Smiths in Gardnerville. Then they personally unload it all at the Carson Valley Food Closet.
“Turkey donations make a huge difference for our food pantry, allowing us to provide holiday meals and comfort to our neighbors in need,” said Cynthia Rodriguez, Carson Valley Food Closet co-director.
The long standing tradition is one of the biggest fundraising events for the Carson Valley Food Closet helping local families during the holiday season.
“We are grateful for all the support,” said Rodriguez. “It’s especially meaningful to see young people getting involved and giving back. It shows the true spirit of community and kindness.”
In past years students have shared the humbling feeling the food drives provides them and knowing they make an impact in their community through their leadership and service.
“All of us have been pretty blessed to grow up in such an amazing community and to give back to a community that has supported us feels amazing and like we can help make a difference,” said a Block D Officer during the 2024 Turkey Drive.
Donations are being requested through Aktivate. Use https://raise.aktivate.com/campaign/donate/3bc31ceb-2ba5-4193-9ec6-698ec3f2ca45 to be directed to the site or ask a Block D member for help. For more information call Douglas High School at 775-782-5136.
“We truly appreciate the efforts to share resources and uplift those impacted by the government shutdown and as we head into the holiday season, food drives and donations become especially important to us,” said Rodriguez.
More upcoming opportunities and events for community members to receive help and get involved:
Community Food Distribution
When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today
Where: Food Closet, 1251 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville
Open to anyone in need of food assistance.
Carson Valley Turkey Trot 5k Fun Run and Kid’s Turkey Dash
All proceeds raised benefit the Carson Valley Community Food Closet
When: Thursday, Nov. 27 Thanksgiving Day
Where: Minden Park, 1601 6th St., Minden
Channel 2 News – Share Your Christmas Food Drive
All proceeds and food donations raised stay local and directly benefit the Carson Valley Community Food Closet
When: 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12
Where: Carson Valley Inn, 1627 Us Highway 395 N, Minden