This year, Russell Rowland Inc.’s annual Turkey Drive didn’t just meet expectations, it shattered them, delivering 801 turkeys to families across Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns counties.
When we set our sights on 600 turkeys this year, we knew it was ambitious. But 801? That number represents something far bigger than poultry, it represents the heart of Northeast Florida.
“We are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community,” said Jackie Rowland, President and CEO of Russell Rowland Inc. “Every single turkey represents a family gathering around the table for Thanksgiving, and that’s what this is all about, ensuring that everyone in Northeast Florida can experience the warmth and joy of the holiday season.”
This year’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible collaboration of our community partners. The Northeast Florida Builders Association and its Charitable Foundation, Thigpen Heating & Cooling, NEXGEN Roofing, and MCG Homes all stepped up in powerful ways.
“The success is a testament to the power of collaboration,” Jackie Rowland said, reflecting on this year’s milestone.
One partnership that holds special meaning is our collaboration with NEXGEN Roofing at San Jose Elementary School. NEXGEN provides all the Thanksgiving fixings to school families, everything except the turkeys. When we contributed the birds this year and watched families line up to receive complete Thanksgiving dinners, we witnessed the true power of partnership: ensuring that no family goes without a full holiday meal.
Each of our 801 turkeys will make its way to a family table through trusted community organizations:
Mandarin Food Bank – This year’s donation will help them reach their goal of distributing at least 800 turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas combined.
Gracie’s Kitchen – Serving approximately 600 Thanksgiving dinners and delivering dinner boxes to about 40 “shut in” families. “All of us are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community in general and Russell Rowland company in particular this Thanksgiving,” said a Gracie’s Kitchen representative. “It is so humbling for me to see kindness in our kitchen with our volunteers and appreciation in our parking lot with our guests.”
Betty Griffin Center in St. Augustine – Serving victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, ensuring that families rebuilding their lives can still gather around a Thanksgiving table.
Feeding Northeast Florida – Our regional food bank partner, extending the reach of this drive throughout the entire region.
Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County – Making sure our unhoused neighbors can experience the warmth of a Thanksgiving meal.
San Jose Elementary School Families – Through our partnership with NEXGEN Roofing, providing complete Thanksgiving dinners to families in need.
Every single turkey represents a family gathering around the table for Thanksgiving. It’s a grandmother who can prepare the traditional meal she’s made for decades. It’s a single parent who can give their children the holiday they deserve. It’s a family recovering from hardship who can experience the warmth and joy of the season.
“We’re grateful to every person who donated, every organization that partnered with us, and every volunteer who helped make this our most successful turkey drive yet,” Jackie said.
To our partners at the Northeast Florida Builders Association, Thigpen Heating & Cooling, NEXGEN Roofing, and MCG Homes, thank you for believing in this mission.
To every individual who contributed, your generosity has changed lives.
To the organizations distributing these turkeys, thank you for being the hands and feet of this community effort.
As we close the books on our 2025 Turkey Drive, we’re already dreaming of 2026. Because in Northeast Florida, we don’t just talk about community, we live it. We prove it. One turkey at a time.
This Thanksgiving, 801 families will gather around their tables with full hearts and full plates, knowing that their community showed up for them. That’s the real measure of success.
Here’s to the power of neighbors helping neighbors, to the strength found in partnership, and to ensuring that everyone in Northeast Florida can experience the joy of Thanksgiving.
