GLIDE Memorial Church in San Francisco kicks off annual Turkey Drive with help from Golden State Valkyries

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The spirit of giving is alive and well in San Francisco’s Tenderloin district.

GLIDE kicked off its annual Turkey Drive on Tuesday to help feed thousands of people this Thanksgiving.

Members of the Golden State Valkyries rolled up their sleeves to serve meals and support the community.

The Golden State Valkyries mascot, Violet, was also there with staff preparing and handing out meals to each person.

“We are rooted so deeply in this community, and we are supported by the community, and so anything we can do to give back. It means everything to us,” said Katie Stockberger, the Golden State Valkyries, vice president of corporate partnerships.

GLIDE president Dr. Gina Fromer said even before the government shutdown, SNAP benefits for so many had been impacted. Now even with the shutdown over, she says too many are still dealing with food insecurity.

“People, they were stressing before all of this happened,” Dr. Fromer said, “So our goal is to say, ‘Hey, you don’t have to stress. You can’t afford that second or third meal? Come to GLIDE. We got you. We’re going to make you feel like there’s dignity and respect.'”

Dr. Fromer said donations are needed and accepted, the nonprofit is calling on the community to donate frozen turkeys at its Turkey Tent at 330 Ellis Street at Taylor in San Francisco.

Still, she said volunteerism is just as important as any donation.

“I think that’s the most important thing, especially with seniors who are isolated. They don’t have any friends, they don’t have any family, they get a chance to come here to see their friends and treat their neighbors. That’s why Glide is important,” Dr. Fromer said.

With just two days until Thanksgiving, Glide is kicking off its annual Turkey Drive to help feed thousands of people this Thanksgiving.

“Just want to do our little part,” said David Mar.

Mar is donating to the cause.

“I had a turkey in the oven, or fridge, my wife was thinking about donating to Glide, she said bring it down,” said Mar.

Food donations are also accepted, Brenda is giving a 50-pound bag of rice.

“I was, during the pandemic receiving food from the food bank, so i feel maybe I can help our and give it back,” said Brenda.

Some turkeys and hams have already been donated and cooked in Glide’s kitchens. Volunteers are prepping A for the holiday, slicing pumpkin pie including California Lt. Governor and San Francisco resident, Eleni Kounalakis.

“Every year, hundreds of people like me come to volunteer at Glide it’s the beating heart of San Francisco on Thanksgiving,” said Kounalakis.

Glide is hosting more people than ever this Thanksgiving. Once it was 1,500 meals. This year, 2,500 meals will be served.

“What we’re seeing now is unprecedented,” said Karl Robillard from Glide Foundation.

Glide says the cost of living and a pause in SNAP benefits due to the Government Shutdown, is bringing high anxiety to the community.

“We need to stand up, Glide really needs to be here, we need that support from people, we’re committed to making sure that anyone who needs food can turn in,” said Robillard.

Overnight, a donation of more than a dozen turkeys arrived.

The turkey drive runs from 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at 330 Ellis Street.

As for volunteers, Dr. Fromer says they’re welcome year-round.

You can learn more about how to volunteer and GLIDE’s Thanksgiving celebrations here.