Troy Turkey Trot Slates Two Food Drives

Troy Turkey Trot Slates Two Food Drives Leading Up to Region’s Premier Thanksgiving Road Race:

First Non-Perishable Food Drive Runs 10/27-11/6; Participants Also Asked to Bring Items to Bib/Chip/T-Shirt Pickup Events

TROY>> In an effort to bring much needed cheer to Capital Region families this holiday season, organizers of the Troy Turkey Trot will host two food drives in the weeks leading up to this year's 67th event held Thanksgiving morning in downtown Troy.

The initial non-perishable food drive, which will run Monday, Oct. 27 through Thursday, Nov. 6, will feature four drop sites in the City of Troy: City Hall (433 River Street), The Atrium (4 Third Street), Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce (90 4th Street, Suite 200; Proctor's Theater) and Troy Business Improvement District (251 River Street).  

Donated goods will be collected and brought to the Troy Turkey Trot's kickoff press conference held Thursday, Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. at Riverfront Park.  Collected items will then be donated to the Trot's 2014 charities, the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York in Latham, which helps provide 450,000 meals each week to 85,000 children and 13,000 seniors living in 23 counties in northeastern New York, and Joseph's House and Shelter, a Troy-based not-for-profit corporation whose mission is to prevent and alleviate homelessness.

"Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and giving back," said Troy Turkey Trot Event Director George Regan.  "We are asking that residents give generously to help members of our community get the nourishment they need over the holidays."

Added Troy Mayor Lou Rosamilia: “We encourage Trojans to participate in this initiative and we look forward to providing assistance to families who may need a little help during this special time of year. The City of Troy is eager to join with the Troy Turkey Trot, as well as its partners and sponsors, in this effort.”

Mark Quandt, executive director of the Regional Food Bank, said that protein-based food items — canned meat and fish, prepared meals like beef stew and chili, as well as non-food items like paper goods and personal hygiene products  — are always in demand at this time of year.  

“We are also in need of nutritious cereals,” he added.  “Less sweetened cereals are preferred, but all cereal donations are greatly appreciated.”

During the second drive, non-perishable items will be accepted during bib/chip/t-shirt pickup held Sunday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 26 ("last chance" registration) from 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. at The Atrium, as well as race morning at the same location.  These items will again be distributed to the Trot's two chosen charities.

Participants who would prefer to make a cash donation to the Regional Food Bank and/or Joseph’s House and Shelter can do so during online registration at TroyTurkeyTrot.com.  Those not planning to participate in the event — but who would still like to make a donation — can do so directly off the Trot's home page.

For more information, please visit TroyTurkeyTrot.com.

Event sponsors include: SportsSignUp, Pioneer Bank, Hannaford Supermarkets, Wm. J. Fagan & Sons, CDPHP, Garelick Farms, DeCrescente Distributing Company, Bryce Real Estate, and Caprara’s Auto Body Shop.  Media partners include: WNYT-13, The Record, Lang Media and Albany Broadcasting.

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About the Troy Turkey Trot
Now in its 67th year, the Troy Turkey Trot is the nation’s 12th and world’s 64th oldest road race, as well as the 11th largest Turkey Trot in the nation.  The event, which draws as many as 8,000 participants from 37 states and features a 5K, 10K, Grade School Mile and Turkey Walk, is designed to celebrate fitness, families and tradition against a backdrop of some of Troy's most historic neighborhoods.  For more information, visit www.TroyTurkeyTrot.com.