Thanksgiving in Pocatello
1,200 families, 194 volunteers, a dozen community partners, and one epic bike ride – the Thanksgiving food box distribution in Bannock County on November 18th was an incredible event. This is The Idaho Foodbank’s largest single distribution every year and it takes an amazing amount of coordination and work to pull off. Because of your support, we were able to distribute nutritious food boxes to over a thousand families in need in Eastern Idaho.
Early in November, Barrie’s Ski and Sports organized a “Cranksgiving” Turkey Drive in Pocatello. The Pocatello Police Department also collected turkeys and monetary donations as part of “Give the Cops a Bird.” Additionally, there was a friendly Holiday “Food Fight” competition among local businesses to gather the non-perishable food needed for the Thanksgiving food boxes. Through these food and fund drives, The Idaho Foodbank was able to put together food boxes consisting of turkeys, potatoes, green beans, stuffing, corn, yams, and pie – a truly splendid Thanksgiving meal.
Early in the morning on Saturday, November 18th, dozens of community volunteers brought their bikes to Barrie’s to help transport the turkeys to The Idaho Foodbank’s warehouse. Fall mornings in eastern Idaho can be cold, but these cyclists powered through to help get the food in the hands of families in need. Later that day at the Bannock County Event Center, volunteers and Idaho Foodbank team members loaded the food into hundreds of cars.
This Herculean effort was made possible by the following businesses and organizations:
- ICCU
- Lookout Credit Union
- Pocatello Police Department
- Pro Rentals and Sales
- Pocatello Elks Lodge
- Need a Nurse Medical Staffing
- Pocatello/Chubbuck School District #25
- Bannock County Event Center
- Idaho Army National Guard
- Pocatello Radio Group
- Grocery Outlet Pocatello
- Pocatello/Chubbuck Chamber Champions
Lastly, we would like to recognize and thank the community members who donated food or funds and volunteered to help provide a wholesome meal to families in need this Thanksgiving. You truly showed us that there is hope this holiday season.
