Islanders organize annual turkey, goods collection for those in need
Frozen turkeys and non-perishable food items will again be collected on Sanibel this year by a group of residents who are volunteering their time to help locals in need have a happy holiday this month.
The 6th Annual Turkey Drop and Roll will be held on Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot of the Lighthouse Point Condominiums, at 200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel. This year’s event is being coordinated by Gregg and Kim Goldstrohm following the recent passing of the man who first started it.
Founded by retired Sysco employee Henry Peterson and his wife, Sandy, the event was previously coordinated at the couple’s home on Lagoon Drive, where people would swing by and drop off their donations. Peterson had worked with food banks up north and created the drive to help area locals.
After Peterson’s passing in September, event volunteers picked up the torch to continue the tradition.
“I think there was an obligation there to continue what Henry started,” Gregg Goldstrohm, a member of the Lighthouse Point condo’s association board, said. “We felt kind of compelled to keep it going.”
“He was 75, still vibrant. A great guy. We all miss him,” he added, noting that they intend to rename the event after Peterson starting next year. “This year, we’re looking forward to having a good turnout.”
As usual, the donations received will benefit the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida.
“The idea is to collect as many frozen turkeys as we can, or canned goods or donations, to support the food bank,” Goldstrohm said, noting that Harry Chapin will distribute the items to people in need.
“It’s a very good cause for a good reason and we really enjoy being a part of it,” he added.
Last year, the food bank provided a refrigerated truck for the turkeys and vehicle for the dried goods.
“That’s the plan,” Goldstrohm said of this year’s drive. “We’ll coordinate as we get closer.”
The Petersons reformatted the event last year to a touch-less one because of the pandemic.
“We probably will do that because people are still concerned,” he said.
“We’ll accommodate and do what we can to make it work,” Goldstrohm added.
Frozen turkeys will be accepted, along with dry and canned goods to make a whole meal.
“Frozen turkeys — whatever people can give. Canned goods — whatever goes with a Thanksgiving dinner,” he said. “Sanibel is a very giving community. People are generous and businesses are nice.”
While food items are preferred, checks made out to the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida are also welcome. Goldstrohm explained that the checks are collected and given to the food bank.
“Then they go out and buy the food with the donations,” he said.
The first year, a total of 10 turkeys were collected. In 2020, 61 turkeys weighing 962 pounds and 277 pounds of dry food were donated, along with checks made out to the food bank that totaled $2,405.
The community is encouraged to stop by and donate.
“I think the reality is there are people who are food challenged in this country,” Goldstrohm said. “And there are people, especially on Sanibel and Captiva, who have the means to help those people.”
For more information, call 724-953-6913.
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IF YOU GO
What
6th Annual Turkey Drop and Roll
When
Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where
Parking lot of Lighthouse Point Condominiums, 200 Periwinkle Way, Sanibel
Why
To benefit the Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email