Jackson Police Officers are helping local families get a turkey on the table this Thanksgiving. The Jackson Police Department’s annual Turkey Drive-Thru event is happening Wednesday, November 19, 2025 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the American 1 Convention Center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds (128 West Ganson Street).
The Turkey Drive Thru is only open to Jackson residents. No prior sign-up is necessary, and the turkeys are free. Participants are asked to remain in their vehicles, entering the Fairgrounds using the North Blackstone Street entrance and driving through the parking lot to the Turkey Drive Thru site. Jackson Police Officers will be there to distribute the turkeys to local families. Drivers will exit the fairgrounds using the West Ganson Street exit. Together with our community partner, Wal-Mart, the Police Department plans on giving away 300 turkeys this year.
This special event is being organized through the Police Department’s Group Violence Intervention (GVI) Strategy. Coordinator Cheryl Ragland says the turkey giveaway fits in with the program’s message of community outreach. “Having enough food on the table for a family holiday is a big part of that,” Ragland said. “With increasing food costs for families, we hope this helps to alleviate some financial strain during the holiday season.”
Turkeys will be available while supplies last. Only one turkey will be given to each vehicle.