Terrific Turkeys Collect Coin for Food Banks

Thursday, November 18, two human-sized turkeys will be strolling along the downtown streets of Hamilton with a horn-of-plenty in hand (photo above), raising money for the community food bank. Year after year, Dominic Farrenkopf has been conducting the "Turkey Trot" as a Thanksgiving-themed fund drive to help stock up food for those who need it.

He started raising money years ago for Hamilton's "Haven House" food bank. Then, he added some more work. This year, for instance, he has already has done some "trotting" in Darby for "Darby Bread Box" food bank and in Stevensville for "Pantry Partners." And he has help. Hamilton student Josie Wolfe has donned another turkey costume and will join the trot from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Hamilton Thursday. Josie and Dominic have organized a local talent show in past years, which also raised money for charity.

Farrenkopf has not let his job as Hamilton's Mayor get in the way of his fundraising, which he does throughout the year for a number of non-profits in the Bitterroot Valley.

As well as the Turkey Trot, this is a season of holiday giving, with many ways you can donate. Here are a few:

• Victor First Grade Turkey Drive - Thursday, November 18 - bring turkeys or cash donations to the Victor elementary school playground from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. at 425 4th Avenue in Victor.
• Daly Mansion Holiday Food Drive - During the Holly Jolly Craft Show November 19-20 every non-perishable food item donated wil be good for a raffle ticket for a holiday prize. The money goes to the food banks.
• Stevensville Sharing Tree - Accepting donations of new clothing and toys - hats, coats, gloves, hoodies, socks, pajamas. Call 406 214-1839.
• Donate to The Giveaway in December at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Donation day is Thursday, December 9 from noon to 6 p.m. They are accepting toys, household items, furniture, children's clothes, shoes and then they give it all away on December 11.

We'll list more on this website and on the Event Show on 1240 KLYQ AM on Fridays at 8 a.m. Give a little or give a lot - you'll feel good about it.