PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The United Way of Aroostook will once again co-host the High Five Turkey Drive, along with Townsquare Media, just before the holiday season kicks off.
This will be the third year for this fundraiser, which helps local food pantries “stuff” the shelves. The “live-on-air” event will take place at Priority Auto Sales in Houlton on Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday, Nov. 21, in Fort Kent at John’s Shurfine; and again, on Friday, Nov. 22, at Star City IGA in Presque Isle. The Fort Kent and Presque Isle events will run from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Last year the team collected just over $13,000 in cash and turkeys over three days. Recipients included pantries and organizations throughout Aroostook County. This year’s goal has been set at $15,000.
In response to feedback from pantries which received frozen turkeys last year, this year’s event hopes to collect “more bucks than birds.” Monetary donations, gift cards to local grocers, and turkeys will all be accepted.
“Storage of several frozen turkeys is difficult for most pantries which operate on volunteers, but gift cards to local grocers help the pantries get the food they need to better serve their clients,” said Sarah Ennis, executive director of United Way of Aroostook.
Last year’s event saw many local businesses and organizations challenging each other to donate. United Way Board members participated in many capacities, but none more spirited than Denise Plourde, of Fort Kent. She visited area businesses to collect donations. Her efforts were certainly appreciated by the pantries which received those donations.
To participate, stop by one of the live on-location sites or contact United Way of Aroostook, 764-5197.
