Berkeley police turkey basket fundraiser seeks donations
The police association has raised more than $8,000. Organizers say they hope to get a bit more support before Thanksgiving.
The Berkeley Police Association has launched its annual Thanksgiving turkey basket fundraiser and is looking for some help from the community to get to the finish line.
The longstanding program provides Thanksgiving meals to underserved families identified by local organizations that partner with the BPA.
As of Monday, the police association had raised more than $8,000 for the popular program. Organizers say they hope to get a bit more support before the holiday comes.
"Past donors have us going in the right direction with about two weeks left," said Officer Matthew Valle, a member of the Berkeley Police Association. "We are still a little short."
Learn more on GoFundMe.
"The meals include a whole turkey, sides, bread rolls and a dessert," the BPA wrote on GoFundMe. "The baskets are assembled by dozens of volunteers the day before Thanksgiving. Once assembled, the volunteers deliver the baskets to the various organizations throughout Berkeley. Our hope is that families can come together to cook and enjoy a special meal."
Community organizations that partner with the Berkeley Police Association for the turkey basket program include the Fourth Street business district, Our City Center Church, Oakland Grocery Outlet, PacificAgri Foods, EP Wealth Advisors, Argonaut Garage and the Berkeley Police Department.
The Berkeley Fire Department's Random Acts of Kindness program also contributed $1,000 to the BPA turkey basket program and will hold its own holiday food basket program in December.
Police and firefighters also organize annual toy drives over the holidays. Details are forthcoming.
Last year, the BPA made turkey baskets for more than 750 families, which was a record at the time. This year, officers hope to provide even more baskets to families in need.
"To date, we have never had to say no to a community group that has asked for assistance in providing these meals," the BPA wrote on GoFundMe. "Please consider donating to the event. Our goal is once again to make the turkey baskets a huge success and help those in need."
Those interested in volunteering can email bpaturkeybaskets@gmail.com for details.
Follow the Berkeley Police Association and Berkeley Fire Random Acts on Instagram, as well as Bomberos De Berkeley and the Berkeley Fire Fighters Association.
