Phoenix Police Launch 7th Annual Operation Turkey Drive to Help Families This Thanksgiving

PHOENIX, Ariz. (November 13, 2026) — The Phoenix Police Department is preparing to spread holiday generosity across the Valley as its Desert Horizon Precinct launches the seventh annual Operation Turkey Drive, a community initiative aimed at providing Thanksgiving meals to families facing food insecurity.

The annual donation campaign kicks off Monday, November 16, 2026, at 8:30 a.m., with Phoenix police officers, community members, and representatives from St. Mary’s Food Bank coming together to support families in need.

Organizers hope to build on last year’s record-breaking success, when the community donated 1,709 turkeys and more than $15,000 in monetary contributions.

This year, the department hopes to exceed that milestone, setting an initial goal of collecting at least 1,710 turkeys.

Community Invited to Donate Turkeys November 16–23

Residents throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area are encouraged to participate by donating turkeys directly at the Desert Horizon Precinct.

The collection will run for eight days, giving families, businesses, and community organizations an opportunity to contribute ahead of Thanksgiving.

Donation details:

• Dates: November 16–23, 2026

• Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

• Location: Desert Horizon Precinct, 16030 N. 56th Street, Scottsdale, Arizona

• Beneficiary: St. Mary’s Food Bank

All donated turkeys will benefit St. Mary’s Food Bank’s efforts to provide holiday food assistance to families throughout the Valley.

Monetary Donations Also Accepted

For residents unable to deliver a turkey in person, organizers are accepting financial contributions through an online fundraising campaign.

According to the Phoenix Police Department, every $25 donated provides one turkey for a family in need and counts toward the campaign’s collection goal.

Residents can contribute directly through the official fundraising page:

Donate to Operation Turkey through St. Mary’s Food BankCommunity members can also support the campaign by sharing information about the drive and encouraging local businesses, neighborhood organizations, and friends to participate.

Building on a Record-Breaking Year

The Desert Horizon Precinct’s Operation Turkey Drive has become an annual Thanksgiving tradition, bringing together law enforcement, local organizations, and residents around a shared mission of helping neighbors.

Last year’s collection of 1,709 turkeys and more than $15,000 demonstrated the impact of community participation.

With Thanksgiving approaching on November 26, organizers are hoping another strong turnout will help St. Mary’s Food Bank meet the holiday needs of families across the region.

The campaign also highlights how partnerships between public safety agencies and nonprofit organizations can extend beyond traditional policing services to support broader community needs.

Phoenix Police to Host November 16 Kickoff

The Phoenix Police Department will officially launch the campaign at 8:30 a.m. Monday, November 16, at the Desert Horizon Precinct.

Representatives from Phoenix PD and St. Mary’s Food Bank will be available to discuss the initiative, accept donations, and explain how community support helps families during the Thanksgiving season.

Members of the media are invited to attend, conduct interviews, and capture donation activities.

Media organizations planning to attend or arrange live coverage can contact Nicole Costantino at nicole.costantino@phoenix.gov.

As the holiday season approaches, Phoenix Police are encouraging residents to help make this year’s Operation Turkey Drive the most successful yet.

One donated turkey or a $25 contribution can help put a Thanksgiving meal on a family’s table.

Source: Phoenix Police Department, Desert Horizon Precinct.