Volunteers Needed: Help Berkeley Police Distribute Thanksgiving Baskets

On Tuesday, Nov. 22, the Berkeley Police Department in collaboration with the Berkeley Boosters will be distributing Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. This year marks the 27th year of the program.

Volunteers are needed to help with unloading, sorting and packing a total of 250 food baskets, and should arrive at at 6:30 a.m. The department expects to finish delivering baskets by 8:30 a.m.

Breakfast is provided and kids are welcome with adult supervision. 

Another 250 baskets will be distributed on Dec. 22 for Christmas. Volunteers will also be needed for this event.

The holiday baskets are funded in part by a officers taking part in a charity bike ride. According to the Berkeley Police Department, the idea of the ride was conceived in 1983 when three Berkeley officers rode their bicycles from Berkeley to South Lake Tahoe. During the trip they talked about how to develop a community service project and involve other officers. They decided to create an annual ride to raise money for a holiday gift basket program. In 1985 the Inaugural Turkey Ride took place when seven Berkeley Police Officers rode their bicycles from Berkeley to Lake Tahoe in two-and-a-half days.

Lt. Bruce Agnew, one of the ride creators said, “The best part for me is seeing officers participate in the ride for the first time and socialize with veteran and supervisory officers. It’s also gratifying to give turkey baskets to people who are appreciative of the food that makes it possible for them to have a nice holiday meal.“