LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – More than 600 turkeys are rolling out to families across the South Plains this week, as wholesale turkey prices climbed 40 percent from last year, according to the Department of Agriculture.
KCBD Sports Director Pete Christy is hosting his second annual “Giving Thanks” turkey drive, partnering with United Supermarkets and Communities in Schools to distribute the birds to families in need.
“Honestly, God told me. I’m being obedient. There are people in need,” Christy said.
The turkey drive expands beyond Lubbock’s city limits, reaching rural communities like Dimmitt. Communities in Schools coordinators, like Kendra Cantrell, identify families with the greatest need through relationships built with students and their families.
“The rural communities sometimes get left out of big projects like this, so we were so happy to get included,” Cantrell said.
Christy said the drive targets families who “really, really need it,” including single parents and people who lost their jobs.
Organizers reported higher demand compared to last year’s distribution.
“Absolutely there’s been more need this year, with the SNAP benefits being shut off,” Cantrell said.
Last year’s drive distributed 684 turkeys. Christy said he expects to exceed that number this year.
“I thought we’d get a hundred turkeys last year, we ended up with 684 and this year, I think we’re going to do even better,” he said.
Pete is accepting donations through Venmo through Wednesday. With monetary donations, United Supermarkets can help secure turkeys at reduced rates.
You can donate to the turkey drive by scanning this Venmo account.(KCBD)
“Communities in Schools has other schools we haven’t even touched yet, we’re trying to get to them,” Christy said. “You call me, I’m coming to your business. Whatever it is we’ve got to do.”
Copyright 2025 KCBD. All rights reserved.