Turkey Drop scheduled Nov. 13

  • Published
  • By Mark Wyatt
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Officials will collect traditional Thanksgiving meal items Nov. 13 from 8 to 11 a.m. outside the Commissary for junior enlisted and civilian personnel in need.

First sergeants and other volunteers will then distribute those items at noon at the same location for E-1 through E-6 service members, Defense Department civilians from GS-1 through GS-9 and all non-appropriated fund employees.

“The Hanscom First Sergeants Council is committed to helping junior members of the workforce at Hanscom Air Force Base,” said Master Sgt. Ryan Francois, a first sergeant and event co-organizer. “The annual Turkey Drop is one of many ways we try to make a positive impact for those families who may need a little help this holiday season.”

Turkeys, hams, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce and pies are some of the food items first sergeants are requesting.

Last year’s effort helped more than 200 Team Hanscom families.

Francois said that while the Turkey Drop’s intent is to help junior employees, the spirit is to help anyone in need.

“While rank is certainly a criterion we use to determine those more likely in need, there are examples of others who could use help as well for a number of reasons,” he said. “Should you fall outside the specified ranks listed but require assistance, please contact your first sergeant to be included.”

In addition to people at Hanscom making donations, outside organizations will also help.

“This year we have partnered with the Red Cross and Military Friends Foundation to make this event a little bigger and more special for Team Hanscom,” said Francois.

Organizers also encourage those who might have difficulty making it to the Commissary parking lot at the allotted times, due to work schedules or other reasons, to contact a first sergeant to make alternate arrangements.

The First Sergeant Council is also seeking volunteers to help during the event. Anyone interested can contact Francois at 781-225-1302 or by email at ryan.francois@us.af.mil.

The annual Thanksgiving food collection, known now as Turkey Drop, began in 2009 when local chief master sergeants organized a “Turkey Give and Take.”

Base officials plan to hold a community Thanksgiving dinner at the chapel annex Nov. 22 from 3 to 5 p.m. for those who choose to not cook a holiday dinner.

Public Health officials warn against improper storing and cooking of a turkey dinner. Doing so can lead to the growth of harmful bacteria, and serving that dinner could cause food-borne illnesses.

For further information, contact Francois or Master Sgt. Jessica LaBrie at 781-225-6290 or by email at jessica.s.labrie.mil@mail.mil.