Every fall the Wake Forest Police Department accepts monetary donations as part of its annual Turkey Drive. Then, on the Saturday before Thanksgiving, the department invites community members to drop off frozen turkeys at the Police Department.
The police department's first Turkey Drive was organized in 2007. Since then - thanks to our community's incredible generosity - the department has distributed nearly 10,000 turkeys to needy families in our area, including over 800 last year.
2026 Turkey Drive
The Wake Forest Police Department is accepting monetary donations through Saturday, Nov. 21, 2026, as part of its 20th Annual Turkey Drive.
Area residents can support this worthy cause by submitting online donations.
Cash and checks written to the Wake Forest Police Department are also accepted. Anyone wishing to contribute cash or a check to this year’s Turkey Drive should call 919-554-6150.
All monetary donations will be used to purchase additional turkeys.
Turkey Drive Drop-off November 21
The Police Department will accept frozen turkey donations Saturday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m.-noon, as part of this year's Turkey Drive. Police officers will be available at the Police Department Substation, 225 S. Taylor St., throughout the morning to thank donors and unload the turkeys.
The three-hour drop-off event will allow the Police Department to effectively coordinate the storage of the donated turkeys.
2026 Turkey Giveaway November 23
The Wake Forest Police Department (WFPD) and Tri-Area Ministry will partner to distribute more than 1,200 frozen turkeys while they last on Monday, Nov. 23, from 7-9:30 a.m. at the Tri-Area Ministry Food Pantry, 149 E. Holding Ave.
A drive-thru system will be implemented along portions of South Franklin Street and East Holding Avenue to help ensure a smooth experience for residents wishing to pick up a frozen turkey. Please note that there is a limit of one turkey per vehicle.
Anyone planning to pick up a turkey should remain in their vehicle and line up along westbound East Holding Avenue (heading towards South Main Street/US 1A). The lineup will extend down East Holding and along South Franklin Street (in front of Franklin Academy) and north towards Elm Avenue.
Heavy traffic is expected throughout the area but especially at the intersection of East Holding and South Main/US 1A as vehicles exiting the giveaway will proceed to the intersection to turn left or right.
Wake Forest Cares
The Police Department Turkey Drive is a Wake Forest Cares initiative.
