Shops at Heavenly Village Turkey Drive breaks records
Submitted by paula on Fri, 11/25/2022 - 3:12pm
SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The Shops at Heavenly Village Turkey Drive for 2022 has already passed previous years in the collection of close to 600 turkeys to date, according to organizers.
This is the third year the shops have collected turkeys for Phoenix Pantry and Christmas Cheer.
With the support of the Heavenly Village and its partners, over 300 turkeys were delivered in 2020, and over 500 in 2021.
“Again, local businesses are supporting the Tahoe community,” said Gary Casteel, Jr., CEO of Trans Sierra Investments & The Shops at Heavenly Village. “We can't forget that strong Tahoe tourism allows the Tahoe community and businesses to remain healthy. When businesses are healthy, this allows them to support causes like the Turkey Drive and many others. I can’t thank all of them enough.”
Tom Davis of Christmas Cheer said he was grateful for the support of the Heavenly Village and its partners. “Small business comes through again for the community,” he said. “Again, I can’t thank Dreu Murin, Gary Casteel, and all the small businesses that supported this Turkey Drive enough.”
Phoenix Pantry will receive a large portion of the Turkeys, which will be distributed from the Lake Tahoe Community Presbyterian Church, according to City Council member Tamara Wallace with help from volunteer Jayme Forman.
“In general the food pantry need has been greater than in all prior
years,” said Wallace. “We have seen about a 20% increase even over the COVID years attributed to the economy, inflation, and rising cost of fuel.”
Turkeys were donated from businesses such as Fire and Ice, Ted Kennedy, Ten Crows, California Burger, South of North Brewing, Lucky Beaver Bar & Burger, Hilton Resorts, Basecamp Pizza, Kalanis, Azul Latin Kitchen, Driftwood Cafe, Village Toys, Heavenly Cinemas, Poe Rava Gem Co, Sun West, Champagne and Chocolate, The Tiki Bar, Blue Pebbles, Beanies and Bikinis, Beachside Gifts and the Casteel Family.
More turkeys are needed to meet this year’s needs. Those wishing to donate a turkey can do so at The Heavenly Village, or by contacting Phoenix Pantry or Christmas Cheer directly.