Missoula’s Turkey Drive Marks 30 Years of Feeding Families in Need

Sometimes saying "thank you" just doesn't seem like it is enough. The amount of generosity that Western Montana continues to show us year after year is something to behold. As Montana gets ready for another Thanksgiving holiday, it is time for us to give thanks.

As we watch the last turkey leave the refrigerated, we are reminded of just how much people care. As we wrap up the 30th anniversary of the 'Guerrilla Turkey Drive', we are humbled again by just how much people are willing to help out others. This year we were able to collect 837 turkeys and around $500 for area food banks. That's 837 households that will be getting a turkey for their Thanksgiving dinner this year that wouldn't normally have one.

Over the years we have gotten some very big donations from some amazing people, this year was no different. We received donations from Missoula Electric Cooperative, one of our drive partners, they brought in over 5,000 pounds of turkeys. We also want to thank Trail West Bank and Decker Truck Line for being sponsors again this year, they help us so much. There are other businesses who have stepped up again this year. We want to thank them too.

• El Cazador brought us over 100 turkeys.
• The Reno Bar and Casino brought us 100 turkeys.
• Bretz R.V. brought us 17 turkeys.
• Office Solutions and Services brought us 20 turkeys.
• Time Rental brought in turkeys.
• Children's Dentistry of the Rockies brought us 12 turkeys.

A lot of these businesses we talk about on the air during our turkey drive. But there are so many other people that don't get the recognition they deserve. These are the people who drop off a turkey and leave it outside the station. They don't want recognition, they just want to help.

Then there are the 'Turkey Trotters', who have adopted Chris and Ashley, and bring us gifts every year along with their turkey and cash donations. Some people show up with their dogs and drop off a turkey or two. There are so many hugs, smiles and 'thanks' that get spread out over the week, there is no way we can list all the people who donate and who help.

The people who volunteer their time to the local food banks are some of the unsung heroes of the week. They are the ones that deserve many thanks. We were able to help out The Darby Bread Box, Mineral County Food Bank, Pantry Partners, Haven House, Missoula Food Bank and the Missoula Head Start.

Missoula and Bozeman have also had the friendly food drive competition between the two cities with the 'Brawl of the Wild' rivalry. This year Bozeman came out victorious and raised more food for their drive than Missoula did. But both cities are winners when people get fed.

When I sit down with my family for Thanksgiving this year, I will be giving thanks for being a part of this amazing community and for every person who contributed to making our turkey drive a success, I am thankful for you all.