Berkeley police 'turkey basket' fundraiser underway
"With the recent developments of the government shutdown, the BPA is already fielding significant requests for turkey baskets," organizers wrote.
With two weeks to go until Thanksgiving, the annual Berkeley Police Association turkey basket fundraiser is well underway.
The longstanding program provides Thanksgiving meals to underserved families identified by local organizations that partner with the BPA.
As of Thursday, the police association had raised about $8,000 of its $10,000 goal. Organizers say they are still seeking support before the holiday.
"These meals include a whole turkey, sides, bread rolls, and a dessert," the group wrote on GoFundMe. "They are assembled by numerous volunteers the day before Thanksgiving. Once assembled, these baskets are delivered to the organizations for distribution."
Last year's volunteers on assembly day included Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii, City Manager Paul Buddenhagen, Berkeley Police Chief Jen Louis and City Council members Ben Bartlett and Igor Tregub, along with BPA leaders and their friends and families.
In 2025, the group raised about $10,000 and delivered 1,100 meals in Berkeley, organizers said.
"With the recent developments of the government shutdown, the BPA is already fielding significant requests for turkey baskets," the BPA wrote this year. "We anticipate the need to be greater than ever and with your support, we hope to break the record yet again."
Those interested in volunteering to help with the fundraiser 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.
