This is the second week of the 9th Annual Kent Turkey Challenge, and the beginning of the community’s efforts to raise $25,000 and 10,000 pounds of food for the Kent Food Bank.
The event is held among local businesses, organizations, schools and community members to see who can raise the most food and monetary donations for the food bank. At this time, 74 organizations have joined the challenge to support this event, and businesses are still able to sign up. The Kent City Council will recognize the Annual Kent Turkey Challenge with an official proclamation this month.
“This is not only what we get to do as a community, but what we love to do as a community. It’s essential that we take care of each other,” said Torklift Central Owner Jack Kay. “We can all band together to ensure that local Kent families have a memorable meal for Thanksgiving and Christmas. We have an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.”
Now through Nov. 18, anyone can go into a participating organization and donate canned goods in the donation bins or for $10 they can purchase a paper turkey with their name on it to be displayed in that particular business. One hundred percent of all donations received go to the Kent Food Bank. A single paper turkey for $10 purchases a real turkey for a family.
“Over the span of the event, Kent business owners and organizations have raised more than $158,000 and nearly 56,000 pounds of food,” Kay said. “Thousands of people have been helped through the Kent Turkey Challenge for the Kent Food Bank.”
Last year, thanks to the effort of the community to collect donations for the Kent Turkey Challenge, the Kent Food Bank was able to purchase fresh produce, turkeys, chickens and more.
In addition to collecting donations for the food bank, the winning class at each participating school will earn a cookie party. An electric Razor scooter will also be awarded to the winner of the Kent Turkey Challenge Coloring Contest. Torklift Central will also be hosting a Facebook contest to have participants share photos of their donations to be entered to win a weekend trip to Las Vegas with airfare and hotel included.
