Turkey Drives

Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation’s
Annual “High Five” Turkey Drive
November 19 & 20, 2020

Every year, the Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation Turkey Drive Committee pledges to put a turkey on the Thanksgiving table of more than 6,000 families throughout Michigan, Ohio and Illinois that may not otherwise enjoy this special meal.

Since 1980, the Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation and its members have provided thanksgiving turkeys to needy families and each year the list of charitable groups asking for turkeys grows. There are more requests than we could ever fill. We need your help!

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect, give thanks, and help those who are less fortunate. We are asking you to pitch in. A $300 donation to the Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation Turkey Drive will provide turkeys for 20 families. When you consider that each turkey serves about 12 people, that equals enough Thanksgiving turkey for 240 people. You can also donate food items (canned, boxed or bottled) or other products such as clothing or household items, above and beyond – or in lieu of – your monetary donation.

This is a charitable event and all donations are tax deductible! Please see your tax advisor for guidance on your specific tax situation. Receipt available upon request.

It is truly heartwarming to be a part of our Annual Turkey Drive.  To donate, please click the link below or call MIRA at 1-800-666-6233.

MIRA Takes Annual High Five Turkey Drive a Step Further

In addition to their annual coordinated efforts, MIRA partnered with the City of Westland to give out turkeys

Every year, the Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation Turkey Drive Committee pledges to put a turkey on the Thanksgiving table of more than 6,000 families throughout Michigan, Ohio and Illinois that may not otherwise be able to enjoy this special meal.

“Since 1980, the Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation and its members have provided Thanksgiving turkeys to needy families and each year the list of charitable groups asking for turkeys grows,” said Auday Arabo, president and CEO of MIRA. “We are always looking for new partners who can help us give out more turkeys every year.”

As the list grows, MIRA turns to their members in an effort to alleviate the needs of the community. Each year, members come together to take part in the “paper hands” promotion to make the High Five Turkey Drive successful.

This year, MIRA hosted their Michigan turkey drive on Friday, November 22nd at Motown Snacks. MIRA members and sponsors of the turkey drive came together to hand out turkeys to community members in need.
In another part of the Midwest, MIRF collaborated with community groups and individuals to hand out turkeys to needy families throughout the Cleveland area. The great success of the Michigan Turkey Drive over the past 34 years inspired MIRF to expand its program to Ohio, which includes the Cleveland and Columbus area.

“Many retailers and other local businesses have given generously to this program,” Arabo said. “This is one way our local independent retailers work together with the community to provide needy families with a holiday meal.”
MIRF worked in conjunction with Pastor Dr. Darrell Scott, New Spirit Revival Center, Urban Revitalization Coalition, Inc., Northeast Ohio Catholic Charities and Diamond Cut Barber Shop.

Volunteers spent the afternoon in the Diamond Cut Barber Shop parking lot on Monday, November 18th, handing out turkeys to families in the Cleveland and Columbus area.

This year, the High Five Turkey Drive moved beyond its traditional form as MIRF teamed up with the City of Westland Police Department to partake in the “Turkeys Not Tickets” initiative. Taking this collaboration one step further, MIRF and the City of Westland Police Department wanted to help community members and families that suffered a tragedy in the last year.

MIRF donated 20 turkeys to this partnership.

“We often forget about people who are mourning a loss or in deep sadness during the holiday season,” said Mayor William R. Wild. “Our officers are very much a part of the community and not only enforce the law and protect citizens, they often give back.”

High Five Turkey Drive Retail & Community Outreach
“Paper Hands”Promotion

Help us raise money at your registers and give back to the charity of your choice!

Your business can generate a significant donation for Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation’s Annual High Five Turkey Drive by participating in our paper turkey program! Paper turkeys are a fun, simple way to raise funds while sending a message to your customers and the community that you care about feeding the hungry. Best of all, 100% of the money you raise will go toward purchasing turkeys for a charity of your choice!

Here’s how the paper turkey program works:

• Midwest Independent Retailers Foundation will send you a starter package which includes a poster to place in your store to raise awareness and turkey hand cut-outs.
• Place the paper turkeys at the register and have your cashiers encourage customers to buy a paper turkey for a suggested donation of $1, $5 or even $10.
• Every $15 you raise buys you one turkey towards your charity.
• The purchaser can sign the High Five paper turkey and we encourage you to display it prominently in the store. Paper turkeys can be displayed on walls, windows, or hung from the ceiling to generate maximum awareness.
• Program runs from September 1st – November 11th.

If your business is interested in selling the High Five Paper Turkeys to benefit the MIRA High Five Turkey Drive, please complete this form and fax to (248) 671-9610 or call MIRA at (800) 666-6233 and we will mail you a starter packet!

To make a donation without participating in the Turkey Hands Program, click here.