One Week Away: Annual “Make a Family Smile” Thanksgiving Turkey Drive at the King Community Center

Milwaukee, WI – The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, part of the Milwaukee County Parks, is pleased to announce the this year’s Turkey Give Away Donation Drive is one week away. This annual event, known as the “Make A Family Smile Turkey Drive,” is dedicated to helping Milwaukee families in need enjoy a warm and nourishing Thanksgiving meal.

The Turkey Drive began about ten years ago with a vision from the King Center’s Manager, Dee McCollum. Dee. She was motivated by a strong desire to give back to the community during the holiday season and started the initiative by purchasing 10 baskets filled with holiday foods and other essential items using her own money. Her generous spirit quickly inspired others, including Mary Nelson from Aurora Healthcare, who joined the effort in the second year by donating 20 baskets. The following year, donations grew to 40 baskets, demonstrating the growing impact of the Turkey Drive within the community.

Dee McCollum, also a member of the Milwaukee County Diversity Committee, has spearheaded the Turkey Drive, sharing stories of how these efforts have positively impacted families throughout the county. Since its inception, the “Make A Family Smile Turkey Drive” has served thousands of families, and this year, we hope to reach even more with your support!

How You Can Help:
Donations of turkeys or monetary contributions are crucial to achieving this year’s goal of feeding 3,000 Milwaukee families in need. We welcome your support to continue making a difference in our community:

• Monetary Donations: Accepted via check or cash. Please make checks payable to King Advisory Inc. Donations can be mailed or dropped off at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Attn: Dee McCollum, 1531 W Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53205.
• Deadline: All donations are needed by Friday, November 22, 2024.
• Contact Information: For more information or to arrange a donation, please contact Dee McCollum at 414-378-3077.
• Form: A link to the donation form can be found on the Milwaukee County Parks Website HERE. 

Turkey Giveaway Event Details
The Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center Turkey Giveaway will be on Monday, November 25, from 9am-3pm or while supplies last. Limit, one turkey per household.

Special Thanks to Our Supporters:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated supporters and donors, including Chris Abele, King Advisory Inc., the We Care Crew, and our community partners. Your generosity and commitment have been instrumental in making this event a success year after year.

Join us in making this Thanksgiving a special time for families throughout Milwaukee. Together, we can make a difference and bring smiles to families in need. Your support matters!

Don’t Wait—Donate Today!
For more information, please contact Dee McCollum at 414-378-3077 or visit the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center at 1531 W Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI 53205.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.