SPOKANE, Wash. — Every year, KREM Cares Tom’s Turkey Drive unites the Inland Northwest community in a massive effort to ensure families have a holiday meal. From volunteers to donors, to the families receiving the meals, Tom’s Turkey Drive reflects the generosity and dedication of the entire region. Now in its 25th year, the drive has become a powerful symbol of community support, providing food and hope to thousands.
For people like James Hurley, Tom’s Turkey Drive has a deeply personal impact.
“I’ve been watching it since I was a kid,” Hurley said. “Sure enough, I got the whole meal and everything, and it just really helped me out.”
For Hurley, it meant he could provide dinner for his two daughters. “Where was I gonna come up with the money to have that?” he wondered. Hurley’s story is one of many, as families across the region benefit from this program each year.
The statistics behind Tom’s Turkey Drive underscore its impact. According to Second Harvest, the drive has provided over 800,000 servings to families in need, including more than 300,000 meals to children.
For Kevin Miller, who volunteered with Second Harvest, Tom’s Turkey Drive reached him when he was going through a challenging time. Recently divorced, he felt uncertain about the holidays. “The holidays came up, and you wonder what the heck you’re going to do,” he said. “And Turkey Drive was there.”
Kandi Backman, a former KREM employee and volunteer, recalls the gratitude she witnessed. “The look in their eyes, it actually chokes me up still. That moment several years ago—I’ll never forget it.”
Backman recalls how families lined up in the early morning hours, eager to receive their meals. “There were babies, kids before school. They would say, ‘I just want to get my meal,’” she said.
The event’s impact extends beyond recipients. Volunteers and organizers also gain a sense of purpose and pride. “I’ve lived here; I knew what it was about,” said Shannon Kinney of Second Harvest. “But actually being part of organizing it was a completely different story.”
Second Harvest volunteer Drew Meuer emphasized the power of community connection. “Volunteers come out to the stores, help raise meals, give their time, and distribute meals. They connect with each other and the community members in need,” he said.
Farmers are also integral to the success of Tom’s Turkey Drive. Dairy farmer Ashley Kenny highlighted the significance of sharing products from local farms. “They get to gather around products that are created by farmers around the region,” she said. This year, farmers will donate 40,000 pounds of potatoes, and Franz Bakery is contributing 17,000 bags of rolls and stuffing for the 25th-anniversary drive.
Patrick Emerson from Franz Bakery shared his pride in the work his team does for the drive. “When they get to make that roll for that family, they see that pride that we support,” he said.
This year, Tom’s Turkey Drive will provide 8,500 meals to families, totaling over 35,000 servings. But the real impact goes beyond the numbers—it’s in the stories of community, connection, and compassion. Tom’s Turkey Drive exemplifies the spirit of the Inland Northwest, where people come together to make a meaningful difference.