POCATELLO — Organizers with the annual Cranksgiving food drive have already received 500 turkeys that will help provide local needy families with a Thanksgiving meal this year.
But with less than one week to go, the organizers are asking the public for help to meet their goal of 1,000 turkeys by Nov. 19.
Known as a “food drive on two wheels,” Cranksgiving collects turkeys and cash donations so no family goes without a Thanksgiving meal. The event was originally started in New York City in 1999 and has expanded around the globe.
The event was launched in Pocatello in 2014 after Tami Parris heard about the food drive on NBC’s Today show. Then, after she heard that the local Idaho Foodbank office needed 600 turkeys for the Thanksgiving holiday, she teamed up with Barrie’s Ski and Sports and state Sen. Roy Lacey to meet that quota.
Those who participated in the event stepped up to the plate and delivered.
The following year, the Idaho Foodbank asked organizers for 1,000 turkeys, and they delivered. More than 1,200 turkeys were donated.
“Pocatello can be proud,” Parris said. “The number of turkeys that have been donated has been astronomical.”
So far this year, numerous individuals and businesses have provided food and cash donations. For example, Idaho Central Credit Union recently donated $2,500 to help the cause.
Like the previous two years, cyclists will ride from Barrie’s at 624 Yellowstone Ave. and deliver the turkeys to the Idaho Foodbank at 555 First Ave. once the food drive is completed. The ride will be held on Saturday and is open to the public.
The bike ride has grown substantially since the food drive began. In 2014, approximately 20 to 25 cyclists braved the cold and rain and participated. The following year, there were approximately 60 bike riders.
“Seeing all the bike riders, it really is a beautiful sight,” Parris said.
Those wishing to contribute to the event can donate a turkey or turkeys, or they can provide cash or a check made out to “Cranksgiving.”
Donations can be made at Barrie’s Ski and Sports before Nov. 19. All of the turkeys and money donated at Barrie’s will stay in the community and directly assist local families.
Plus, with every turkey or $20 donation, five raffle tickets will be provided. The prizes for the raffles are two packages that include passes to Pebble Creek Ski Area, the hot pools at Lava Hot Springs and a $50 gift card to the SandTrap.
