Even before the Thanksgiving leftovers have been are packed up and put in the fridge, Bill Dardon is planning his Christmas turkey drive. In fact, he’s been plotting for weeks.
Dardon, owner of The Real Estate Company, has been holding his annual turkey drive since 1991. And while the total giveaway varies from year to year, his all-time record to date is 1,500 turkeys – in a single year.
“It all depends on people’s generosity and the economic climate at the time,” said Dardon, who began the drive as a way to help fill the food pantry at F.I.S.H. “I want to help feed the hungry of this Valley and I’ve gotten tremendous support over the years in doing so.”
Much of that support comes from the local markets –Safeway, lately – who cut a deal with Dardon for the birds at around $7 a piece. Dardon then raises money to buy as many of the turkeys as possible, giving the cash to the market, which then converts it into turkey ‘gift cards.’
The gift cards, which can only be used for turkey, are then included by F.I.S.H. in the baskets for their Christmas food giveaway. Dardon also donates turkey gift cards to the Sonoma County Battered Women’s Shelter.
“Part of the reason I started the turkey drive was to honor my father, who always looked out for the poor and hungry in little ways,” said Dardon. “The example he set has had a real influence on me.”
Dardon is hoping to raise enough money to meet his goal of 1500-plus birds. He cited statistics showing that some 2,000 people in Sonoma County go hungry each night, 47 percent of who are children. He wants to help feed them, even if it’s just for one night.
To that end, Dardon welcomes any and all donations – even at little as the $7 cost-per-turkey – which can be brought to his office at 34 West Spain Street up until Wednesday, December 16.
“So many people bring me donations – it’s a great thing,” said Dardon.
The F.I.S.H. basket distribution will be held on Saturday, December 19 from 10 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Hanna Boys Center Auditorium, 17000 Arnold Drive. F.I.S.H. will also be holding a simultaneous toy giveaway.
