The spirit of Thanksgiving will shine brightly in South Phoenix this year as the HeroZona Foundation prepares to host its 22nd annual Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway Drive-Thru on November 22. Beginning at 9 a.m. at Travis L. Williams Post 65, the event will provide frozen turkeys to individuals and families in need, continuing a tradition that has supported the community for more than two decades.

The giveaway is open to all, with no identification or income verification required. Arizona Cardinals rookie cornerback Will Johnson will make a special appearance to meet families and help distribute turkeys. City of Phoenix District 8 representative Kesha Hodge Washington and Karrin Taylor Robson, candidate for Governor of Arizona, will also attend to greet community members and assist volunteers as they work to ensure that thousands of Phoenix residents can enjoy a meaningful Thanksgiving meal.

This year, HeroZona is strengthening its impact by collaborating with Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church to offer not only turkeys, but also the essential ingredients needed to complete a holiday dinner. After receiving their turkey at the drive-thru, families are invited to visit Pilgrim Rest’s Mobile Food Pantry from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1401 E. Jefferson St., where volunteers will distribute pantry staples and side-dish ingredients. A photo ID with an address is required at the pantry for check-in.

“For 22 years, this event has brought our community together to ensure that every family can celebrate Thanksgiving,” Founder Alan “AP” Powell, U.S. Army Desert Storm veteran, said. “We’re grateful to have Will Johnson join us and to partner with Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church to provide families with everything they need for a complete Thanksgiving meal.”

For Pilgrim Rest, the partnership reflects a deeply rooted mission of service and compassion. Rhoshawndra L. Carnes, outreach ministry leader and head coordinator of the Mobile Food Pantry, expressed pride in the church’s continued role in supporting local families. 

“As we enter the season of Thanksgiving, Pilgrim Rest remains committed to serving our community with compassion and dignity,” Carnes said. “Our Thanksgiving Mobile Food Pantry is an extension of that mission providing produce, nutritious food and hope to individuals and families throughout the community. It is our privilege to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to share in the blessings of the holiday season.”

Johnson, new to the Cardinals roster but already making an impact off the field, said the opportunity to give back is meaningful to him personally. 

“I'm honored to be part of this Thanksgiving tradition and give back to the Phoenix community,” he said. “Growing up, I learned the importance of service and helping others. Being able to meet families and help make their holiday special means a lot to me.”

“Thanksgiving reminds us of the importance of community and caring for one another,” Washington said. “The HeroZona Foundation and Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church are embodying the spirit of the season by ensuring Phoenix families can gather around the table with a full meal this holiday.”

Learn more at herozona.org.