Russell Rowland aims to feed over 4,000 people in 7th annual turkey drive

Structural engineering firm Russell Rowland launched its 7th Annual Turkey Drive, aiming to collect more than 1,000 turkeys for families across Northeast Florida this Thanksgiving.

Reaching the benchmark would provide holiday meals for more than 4,000 people across the region.

The initiative started in 2020 with 22 turkeys and has expanded each year, reaching 801 turkeys in 2025. Each donated turkey is calculated to feed a family of four. In addition to physical drop-offs, NEFBA is accepting monetary donations through the NEFBA Charitable Foundation.

Jackie Rowland, president and CEO of Russell Rowland, said the effort relies heavily on local involvement. “What began as a family tradition has grown into a community movement, and the generosity we see from local businesses and neighbors each year is what makes it possible,” Rowland said.

“Every turkey feeds at least a family of four, so each donation reaches further than people expect. This year, we are aiming for more than 1,000 turkeys, which means we can feed more than 4,000 of our neighbors.”

Frozen turkeys can be dropped off at the firm’s Jacksonville office, located at 12854 Kenan Dr. #125, from Nov. 17 through Nov. 19 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.The firm is also expanding the initiative to its Tampa office to support service members at MacDill Air Force Base.

Russell Rowland is contributing 115 turkeys to the Tampa effort, working alongside Bonnie O’Brien, a volunteer with the American Legion Auxiliary USS Tampa Unit 5, which operates in conjunction with The American Legion “U.S.S. Tampa” Post five.

Turkeys collected during the drive will support families through local organizations across Northeast Florida and the Tampa area. Benefiting groups include the Betty Griffin Center, Gracie’s Kitchen, Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County, Hubbard House, Mandarin Food Bank, REthreaded, Sanctuary on 8th Street and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Atlantic Beach.

The initiative will also distribute turkeys to families through several regional school systems, including Clay County schools, Duval County Public Schools, Nassau County School District and St. Johns County School District.

Turkey collections will take place Nov. 17, 18, and 19 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at the Jacksonville drop-off site.

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