SAN FRANCISCO—Mayor Edwin M. Lee, the San Francisco Police Department, San Francisco Housing Authority and the Al. Philip Randolph Institute all participated with handing out turkeys to families in need on Tuesday, November 21 at the Valencia Gardens housing site, as part of the 11th annual Turkey Giveaway event.

According to a press release from the Mayor’s Office, more than 3,250 frozen turkeys will be distributed across San Francisco; that is a 30 percent increase from last year, when 2,500 turkeys were distributed. The city purchased 2,000 total turkeys—twice as many as 2016—with private sponsors PG&E, Foster Farms and Clark Construction contributing the rest.

“We are proud to expand our turkey giveaway event this year so that even more families can enjoy a meal together during the holidays,” said Mayor Lee. “We are always proud to call San Francisco a city of love and compassion, and that spirit is particularly strong during the holiday season. Standing up and supporting our communities is a central part of our values.”

The A. Phillip Randolph Institute (APRI) is a local nonprofit organization that identifies families in need and assists to distribute turkeys to them. Turkeys are handed out to families at every public housing site in San Francisco just in time for Thanksgiving.

“In this season of giving, there is no greater feeling than knowing that you are able to help others,” said San Francisco Police Chief William Scott. “The men and women of the San Francisco Police Department are proud to partner with the Mayor’s Office, APRI and the SFHA to help families enjoy a Thanksgiving meal. By working together as a team, we are able to uplift our community and ensure a happier holiday season for our neighbors in need.”

“The San Francisco Housing Authority is proud and privileged to be part of the colossal City family effort, including Mayor Ed Lee, the Board of Supervisors, the San Francisco Police Department, Public Works, A. Philip Randolph Institute, Resident Leaders, and many other organizations to provide over 56,000 pounds of turkey to every family Housing Development in the City today,” said Barbara Taylor Smith, Acting Executive Director of the SFHA. “On behalf of the San Francisco Housing Authority and our Commissioners, I wish all a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving with your family, friends and those you hold dear.”

Approximately 500 dinner baskets will also be distributed to families citywide. Each dinner basket feeds a family of four and includes a 10-12 pound frozen turkey, fresh bread, box stuffing, two cans of corn, two cans of string beans, fresh organic yams and one can of cranberry sauce.

“This is a time for us all to start to think about what we are thankful for, a perfect time to share our compassion with our neighbors, and work toward a world where no one has to experience hunger, especially during the holidays,” said Jacqueline Flin, Executive Director of APRI.