The 14th annual 40/29 and Arkansas CW Turkey Drive brought together Northwest Arkansas and River Valley communities on Nov. 13 to collect turkeys for local families facing holiday hardship. With the help of presenting sponsor McLarty Daniel, the drive partnered with the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank, the River Valley Regional Food Bank and their agency networks to gather turkeys at participating Walmart Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets across Northwest Arkansas and Fort Smith.
How to Donate
Online donations remain open through Monday, Nov. 16. Residents can click the donation links provided by the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank and the River Valley Regional Food Bank to contribute cash gifts that will be used to purchase additional turkeys, sides and other holiday essentials for families relying on food‑bank assistance.
Current totals show 3,896 turkeys collected, a strong showing that reflects the generosity of local churches, civic groups, businesses and individual donors. Each turkey represents a family that will sit down to a traditional holiday meal, a small but meaningful blessing during a season that can be financially stressful for many households.
Why the Drive Matters
Food‑bank partners report that demand for holiday meals spikes each December as families stretch limited budgets to cover gifts, utilities and school expenses. By securing a steady supply of turkeys early, the food banks can plan distribution routes, coordinate volunteer drivers and ensure that no family in the Northwest Arkansas or River Valley region goes without a festive dinner.
“Thank you to everyone who has donated so far,” the drive’s organizers wrote in a recent update. “Your generosity will help our food‑bank partners provide holiday meals for local families and make a difference for neighbors in need.” The message underscores the community‑first spirit that drives the event and aligns with the region’s tradition of caring for one another.
Getting Involved Beyond Donations
Volunteers are also needed to sort, pack and deliver turkeys to distribution sites. Those interested can contact the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank or the River Valley Regional Food Bank directly through the links on their websites. Local churches and service clubs are encouraged to host collection bins at their facilities, extending the reach of the drive into neighborhoods that may not have easy access to a Walmart location.
By supporting the 40/29 and Arkansas CW Turkey Drive, residents reinforce the values of family, faith and personal responsibility that define our community. The effort not only supplies a holiday staple but also strengthens the bonds that hold our neighborhoods together.
Looking Ahead
Organizers hope the final donation push will push the turkey count even higher before the Nov. 16 deadline. They also plan to evaluate the drive’s impact after the holidays to improve future collections and expand outreach to additional counties in the River Valley region.
For anyone who can spare a few dollars or a few minutes, the turkey drive offers a simple way to make a tangible difference this season. Together, Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley can ensure that every family enjoys a warm, hearty meal around the table.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
