Starting this weekend, Valley residents will see the impact of their Thanksgiving generosity doubled, thanks to a match from Desert Financial Credit Union.

Desert Financial, the largest Arizona-based credit union, will partner with St. Mary’s Food Bank to match turkey donations made by the public during its 2019 Thanksgiving drive and distribution, which runs through 4 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27.

By matching the community’s donations, Desert Financial hopes to help close a massive gap faced by the Food Bank this year.

“We have had a slow start in our turkey donations this year and this wonderful gift from Desert Financial Credit Union gives us a real chance at reaching our goals of making Thanksgiving special for Arizonans in need,” St. Mary’s President and CEO Tom Kertis stated in a release. “We expect more than 12,000 families to visit the food bank in the three days leading up to Thanksgiving and this amazing donation will help make sure as many as possible have a turkey as the centerpiece of their holiday meal.”

Desert Financial’s contribution will help ensure that families who seek out a turkey meal for the holiday can receive one, but it requires the public support St. Mary’s relies upon. 

St. Mary’s Food Bank will accept turkey donations — both perishable and non-perishable — from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 at Valley-area Safeway and Albertson’s stores. In addition, they will be accepting donations dropped off at St Mary’s Food Bank through 4 p.m. Nov. 27.

The turkey match is made possible through Desert Financial’s Random Acts of Kindness program, which aims to start a #KindnessRevolution with surprise moments of kindness and joy, benefiting individuals and non-profits around the Valley, a release states.

“We are thrilled to continue our #KindnessRevolution by joining a wonderful, Valley-wide annual tradition that provides Arizona families with a holiday meal,” stated Jeff Meshey, Desert Financial Credit Union President & CEO. “The St. Mary’s meal drive is a perfect chance for us to share kindness with thousands of families at once in our 80th anniversary year.”

St Mary’s Food Bank distributes thousands of Holiday Food Boxes in the three days leading up to Thanksgiving, a release states. Each year, hopes are that each box will contain a turkey and other assorted holiday dinner items, giving Arizona families the chance to enjoy the comforting tradition of a holiday meal. Each year, however, this number is not guaranteed, as public donations drive the quantities available.

Click here for turkey distribution information.

Visit the Desert Financial community page for more information about Desert Financial’s community giving, including Random Acts of Kindness.