Jim Whiteaker preps the turkeys before placing them in the smoker during the annual Great Yuba City Smoke Out in Yuba City on Nov. 27. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

 

YUBA-SUTTER, CA (MPG) – As Thanksgiving approaches, community organizations, local businesses and volunteers throughout Yuba-Sutter are working together to help families in need through food drives, holiday giveaways, fundraisers and donation collections.

Among the area's longstanding traditions is the Great Yuba City Turkey Smokeout, which returns for its 26th year on Nov. 25. Organized by Jim King, the event began as a small gathering of friends and has grown into an annual celebration where volunteers smoke Thanksgiving turkeys while neighbors share food, music and fellowship.

This year's gathering will also support BeXtra, a local community organization led by Brian Davis, with donations benefiting a family in need. BeXtra is among several organizations coordinating holiday giving efforts this November, alongside the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank, SoYouCan, local businesses and community groups. For residents looking to give back or receive assistance, the following roundup highlights upcoming opportunities throughout November.

Upcoming Holiday Giving Events

Friday, Nov. 13

Salvation Army Red Kettle Kickoff - 5:30 p.m. The Salvation Army will launch its annual holiday fundraising campaign at Walnut Hall, 1434 Walnut Ave., in Yuba City. Businesses and community members are encouraged to participate through sponsorships and donations supporting local families.

Saturday, Nov. 14

Olivehurst Cars & Coffee Canned Food Drive - 8 to 10 a.m. Residents can bring nonperishable food donations to the O'Reilly Auto Parts parking lot, 1992 McGowan Parkway in Olivehurst, during a community car gathering benefiting the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank.

Second Annual Turkey Pull - 8:45 to 11:30 a.m. Classified Fitness, 1256 Garden Highway, Suite C, in Yuba City, will host a rowing fundraiser benefiting the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank. Participants can register individually or in teams of up to 10. Entry is $40.

Sleighin' Low & Givin' Back Toy Drive - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Throw That Axe Up will collect new, unwrapped toys from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 651 N. Palora Ave. in Yuba City, followed by a giveaway from 2 to 3 p.m. Children must be present to receive gifts, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Thursday and Friday, Nov. 19-20

BeXtra Community Turkey Drive - 3 to 7 p.m. BeXtra and Scrap Monkey Property Services will collect turkeys for local families at the BeXtra Community Center, 1251 E. Onstott Road in Yuba City. The second annual drive will be followed by a turkey giveaway Saturday, Nov. 21.

Saturday, Nov. 21

Yuba-Sutter Turkey Trot - 7:30 a.m. check-in; 9 a.m. start. The annual 5K and 10K walk and run benefiting Hands of Hope will take place at Riverbend Elementary School, 301 Stewart Road in Yuba City. Registration is available at runsignup.com.

Bayside Adventure Turkey Collection - 9 a.m. Bayside Adventure, 876 W. Onstott Frontage Road in Yuba City, will collect Thanksgiving turkeys for farmworker families through a partnership with the Western Farm Workers Association.

Falcon Feast Boxes Food Drive - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. River Valley Sports Association, Beaver Heating & Air and The Body Shop of Yuba City will collect donated turkeys and food at the River Valley High School football field. Beaver Heating & Air is also offering a free tune-up to qualifying turkey donors. Call 530-915-8734 for details.

BeXtra Turkey Giveaway - Time to be announced. Following its two-day turkey drive, BeXtra will distribute turkeys to local families. Additional distribution details are available through the organization.

Sunday, Nov. 22

Falcon Feast Boxes Pickup - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thanksgiving meal boxes will be distributed at the River Valley High School football field in Yuba City. Those seeking a box should check with organizers about registration and availability.

Monday, Nov. 23

S.P.A.R.K. Community Impact Day - 9 a.m. Volunteers are needed to help box food at the Yuba-Sutter Food Bank, 760 Stafford Way in Yuba City, in preparation for holiday distributions. For information, call 530-673-3834.

Wednesday, Nov. 25

26th Annual Great Yuba City Turkey Smokeout - 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Organizer Jim King will host the annual gathering at 1067 Hillcrest Ave. in Yuba City, where volunteers will smoke up to 100 Thanksgiving turkeys in four rotations of 25.

Participants must bring fully thawed turkeys weighing 14 pounds or less in coolers labeled with their names and phone numbers. Birds may be dropped off Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 24, or Wednesday morning.

Organizers are requesting a minimum $20 donation benefiting BeXtra, with all funds collected going to a local family in need. Davis will also be on hand with a photo booth.

Residents are welcome to attend without a turkey and are encouraged to bring food or beverages to share. Music and evening fire pits are planned, and volunteers are needed. To reserve a turkey-smoking spot or volunteer, text King at 530-788-5452.

BeXtra and Yuba-Sutter Food Bank Giveaway - 1:30 p.m. The organizations will host a community food giveaway at the BeXtra Community Center, 1251 E. Onstott Road in Yuba City.

Ongoing Holiday Donation Opportunities

Torres Family Foundation Thanksgiving Dinner Baskets: The foundation is collecting food donations and seeking sponsors to provide complete Thanksgiving meals to families in need. Residents can request assistance through the registration QR code on the organization's flyer or email [email protected] to sponsor a family or donate food.

SoYouCan and BeXtra Blanket Drive: New blankets will support Christmas gifts for local children, while gently used blankets will benefit individuals experiencing homelessness. To donate, contact Dennise at 530-315-0437 or Betty at 530-755-6621.

SoYouCan Winter Clothing and Food Collections: Hats, gloves, mittens and beanies for children can be donated at the Moose Lodge, 1775 Beverly Ave. in Olivehurst. Christmas food donations are also being accepted through Dec. 13. For information, contact Marc Boomgaarden at 530-701-9163.

Tri-Counties Community Center Christmas Toy Drive: New, unwrapped toys and gifts are being collected through Dec. 10 for distribution at upcoming free community events. Requested items include art supplies, dolls, action figures, sports equipment, plush toys and winter accessories. The center is located at 1830 B St. in Marysville.

Yuba-Sutter Food Bank: Donations of canned goods, fresh produce and other eligible food items are accepted year-round at 760 Stafford Way in Yuba City, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Volunteers are also welcome. For information, call 530-673-3834.

Residents are encouraged to contact event organizers before attending, as distribution supplies, volunteer needs and participation requirements may vary.