The Mandarin Food Bank will receive Thanksgiving turkeys from a Jacksonville drive that has grown from 22 turkeys in 2020 to a goal of more than 1,000 this year.

Russell Rowland, a structural engineering firm, launched its 7th Annual Turkey Drive aiming to collect enough frozen turkeys to feed more than 4,000 people across Northeast Florida, first reported by Action News Jax. The firm calculates each donated turkey feeds a family of four.

The drive collected 801 turkeys last year.

Jackie Rowland, president and CEO of Russell Rowland, said the effort depends on neighbors and local businesses. "What began as a family tradition has grown into a community movement, and the generosity we see from local businesses and neighbors each year is what makes it possible," Rowland said, according to Action News Jax.

How to donate

Frozen turkeys can be dropped off at the firm's Jacksonville office at 12854 Kenan Dr., Suite 125, from Nov. 17 through Nov. 19 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The NEFBA Charitable Foundation is also accepting monetary donations.

Where the turkeys go

The Mandarin Food Bank is one of eight organizations across Northeast Florida set to receive turkeys from the drive, according to Action News Jax. Other beneficiaries include the Betty Griffin Center, Hubbard House and Gracie's Kitchen. Families in several regional school districts, including Duval County Public Schools, will also receive turkeys.

The firm is expanding the drive to its Tampa office this year to support service members at MacDill Air Force Base.

"Every turkey feeds at least a family of four, so each donation reaches further than people expect," Rowland said.