Shops at Heavenly Village donate 500 turkeys for local charities, turkey drive still on
Submitted by paula on Sat, 10/16/2021 - 6:45pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The small businesses who are part of the Shops at Heavenly Village have surpassed their goal of getting 500 turkeys together for Christmas Cheer and Phoenix Food Pantry this Thanksgiving.
In 2020, there was a big shortage of turkeys for families in need in South Lake Tahoe. The Shops jumped to the task and 300 turkeys were donated to the two groups who help feed local residents.
For 2021, Gary Casteel Jr. of Trans Sierra Investments/The Shops at Heavenly Village set a lofty goal of 350 turkeys. At this current time, the Turkey Drive has collected almost 500 turkeys for 2021.
“I am so thankful for our local business community. Through COVID, the smoke, and the Caldor shutdown, local businesses came through again for the
community in a big way," said Casteel. "I can’t thank them enough.”
Turkeys were donated from businesses such as Fire and Ice, Ted Kennedy, Ten Crows, California Burger, South of North Brewing, Lucky Beaver Bar and Burger, Diamond Resorts, Basecamp Pizza, Kalanis, Azul Latin Kitchen, Driftwood Cafe, Village Toys, Heavenly Cinemas, Poe Rava Gem Co, Sun West, The Tiki Bar, Blue Pebbles, Beanies and Bikinis, Beachside Gifts, Tahoe Beach Retreat, and the Casteel Family.
For 2021 not only did Heavenly Village businesses participate, businesses
outside the village did as well, according to Turkey Drive organizer Dreu Murin.
“I can’t thank Dreu, Gary and all the small businesses that supported this Turkey Drive enough," said Tom Davis, a board member with Christmas Cheers. "It’s been a couple of tough years and anytime we need anything Dreu and Gary have always been there for us at Christmas Cheer.”
The Phoenix Food pantry will also receive a large portion of the turkeys which will be distributed from the Lake Tahoe Presbyterian church.
“I want to personally thank the businesses and individuals that donated, especially the Shops at Heavenly Village for their generosity for this year’s Turkey drive," said South Lake Tahoe Mayor Tamara Wallace. "I realize what a difficult last few years this has been for the business community, so it is especially heartwarming to see them always step up and help those in our community who are struggling at the holidays. God bless them!”
The public can still donate to either the Turkey Drive or the charity’s themselves. To coordinate pick up for donations, contact Murin at hello@dreumurin.com. The need is expected to be great this year and every little bit helps.