All Faiths hosts drive-thru turkey giveaway

All Faiths Food Bank takes over Robarts Arena parking lot to host annual turkey giveaway.

  • By Anna Brugmann
  • | 8:08 p.m. November 18, 2016
  • Sarasota
  • News
  • Share

All Faiths Food Bank kicked off the giving season by giving away nearly 6,500 turkeys to Sarasota families in need today at Robarts Arena.

Fifty volunteers orchestrated a fine-tuned system of welcoming, registering and directing recipients through the drive-thru turkey giveaway.

In addition to turkeys, recipients were also given holiday sides, such as green beans and cranberry sauce, to feed four people. 

All Faiths Food Bank CEO Sandra Frank said many of the turkeys are donated by local nonprofit organizations. 

"This happens because the community provides his support and believes that everybody needs and deserves a holiday meal with their loved ones," Frank said. 

 

Cars line up in the Robarts Arena parking lot to receive a turkey during the All Faiths Food Bank's annual turkey giveaway.
Cars line up in the Robarts Arena parking lot to receive a turkey during the All Faiths Food Bank's annual turkey giveaway.
All Faiths Food Bank Chief Operations Officer John Livingston directs traffic during the turkey drive.
All Faiths Food Bank Chief Operations Officer John Livingston directs traffic during the turkey drive.
Food distribution coordinator Robbie Coats unloads frozen turkeys from a truck during the drive.
Food distribution coordinator Robbie Coats unloads frozen turkeys from a truck during the drive.
In addition to receiving a turkey, turkey-drive recipients were also given Thanksgiving sides for four.
In addition to receiving a turkey, turkey-drive recipients were also given Thanksgiving sides for four.
Anna Wellman helps direct a recipient during All Faiths Food Banks turkey giveaway.
Anna Wellman helps direct a recipient during All Faiths Food Banks turkey giveaway.
Jay Clarkson passes a turkey into the front window of one of the turkey recipients.
Jay Clarkson passes a turkey into the front window of one of the turkey recipients.
Tommy Bernstein helps manage the lines during the All Faiths Food Bank annual turkey giveaway.
Tommy Bernstein helps manage the lines during the All Faiths Food Bank annual turkey giveaway.
All Faiths Food Bank gave away 6500 turkeys during the giveaway.
All Faiths Food Bank gave away 6500 turkeys during the giveaway.
About 50 volunteers helped pass out turkeys, and direct traffic, but passing out the turkeys was the coveted task.
About 50 volunteers helped pass out turkeys, and direct traffic, but passing out the turkeys was the coveted task.
All Faiths Food Bank Senior Director of Marketing Beau Wilberding, Chief Operating Officer John Livingston and CEO Sandra Frank.
All Faiths Food Bank Senior Director of Marketing Beau Wilberding, Chief Operating Officer John Livingston and CEO Sandra Frank.

 

Latest News

This truck was driven by 67-year-old Edward O'Neil when he was arrested on charges of attempting to lure two minor girls into the vehicle.
  • May 20, 2026
Sarasota man charged with luring minor girls
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote
  • May 20, 2026
With an eye on lawsuit, county commissioners formalize tax-fee vote
Each townhome features a two-car garage and a rooftop terrace.
  • May 20, 2026
Lakewood Ranch development under construction after 20 years of setbacks
The Bayfront Park Recreation Center still welcomes thousands for yoga, Pilates and other classes annually, but is about 56 years old, and talk of replacement has begun again.
  • May 20, 2026
Push begins again for new rec center on Longboat Key

Sponsored Health Content

Sponsored Content