Operation Turkey gears up for annual Thanksgiving event in San Marcos

By Emma Peters

News Reporter

Gxi5@txstate.edu

SAN MARCOS — Operation Turkey is preparing for its annual Thanksgiving Day event at Texas Roadhouse, inviting community volunteers to assist on Thursday morning.

The event will take place from 7 a.m. to noon at Texas Roadhouse, located at 1502 Purple Heart Trail in San Marcos. This will mark the 13th year Operation Turkey has served the San Marcos area, with plans to deliver thousands of meals to individuals and families in need.

Leading up to Thanksgiving, volunteers can participate in orientation meetings that provide an overview of the organization’s operations. These sessions are available both in-person and virtually, allowing anyone interested to get involved. Virtual meetings will be recorded for those who are unable to attend live.

“Thanksgiving is an important time to support the community and help those in need,” said Operation Turkey leader Jesse Ruiz. “This event offers an opportunity to give back to San Marcos, which has been a significant part of my personal and professional journey.”

The day before Thanksgiving, volunteers gather for the Turkey Tailgate— a preparation day for the event. During the Turkey Tailgate, volunteers will cook turkeys, sort donations of toiletries and clothing and organize supplies.

“There’s a need for delivery drivers,” said Ruiz. “We’re a small operation, but we aim to deliver around 2,000 meals in just three to four hours. Ideally, we would have about 125 volunteers to help ensure the process runs smoothly and efficiently.”

On Thanksgiving Day, volunteers will work in teams to plate, package, and deliver meals to those in need. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to participate in this community service event.

In addition to volunteers, the organization is also seeking financial donations to support the event.

“We are asking for a $7 donation, which will feed two people,” said Ruiz. “Every contribution helps ensure that meals can be provided to those who need them.”

Operation Turkey in San Marcos has become a regular part of the community’s Thanksgiving tradition, engaging volunteers and donors in the effort to provide meals to people in need.

The organization is focused on community involvement through donations, volunteering, and other forms of support.

“This is the second city to expand outside of Austin, and we continue to grow each year,” said Ruiz. “We encourage the university community to get involved and help sustain the event in the future.”

For more information about volunteering or to donate, visit https://www.operationturkey.com/locations/san-marcos/