2000 Turkeys is an annual Thanksgiving tradition
Since it was launched in 1983, 2000 Turkeys has become an annual Thanksgiving tradition in Washington County.
The late Byron Smialek and Wayne Armstrong began the 2000 Turkeys campaign as a seasonal food campaign for the unemployed in Washington County.
The pair, with the help of Grace Hopwood and WJPA Radio personality Pete Povich, distributed turkeys to families in need so they could enjoy Thanksgiving dinner.
The event has grown in popularity, and has evolved into a tradition for the Washington County families, schools, businesses and organizations who donate to annual campaign that enables the Greater Washington County Food Bank to provide Thanksgiving dinners for area families who meet the eligibility requirements established by the Food Bank.
The campaign kicks off the first Thursday in October and runs through the end of November, and every $15 raised provides a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of four.
The 2000 Turkeys campaign aims to raise $100,000 each year, and through the generosity of the Washington County community, the event annually meets its goal.
2000 Turkeys embodies the spirit of the holiday season, and the thousands of checks that are mailed in, the creative fundraisers held by schools and businesses, and the generous, large donations provided by Washington County companies makes it possible for our Washington County neighbors in need to celebrate Thanksgiving.
2000 Turkeys is the single largest fundraiser for the Food Bank.
The 2000 Turkeys board – Canonsburg Mayor Dave Rhome, Pete Povich, Laural Ziemba of Range Resources and Karen Mansfield of the Washington Observer-Reporter, thank Washington County residents and businesses who continue to make the event a success.