Nov 28, 2023 By Karen Mansfield 2 min read

In downtown Washington and Canonsburg, there was (to reference rock band Wild Cherry) plenty of dancing and singing, and moving to the groove Wednesday during the Range Resources ninth annual 2000 Turkeys drive.

Range Resources employees, along with community volunteers from local schools, businesses and organizations, canvassed the streets and “gobbled” up donations from drivers and passersby, to benefit 2000 Turkeys.

The annual 2000 Turkeys campaign, in partnership with Food Helpers of Washington County, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and City Mission, provides Thanksgiving dinners for Washington County’s food-insecure families.

Range Resources, a longtime supporter of 2000 Turkeys, matched all donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000.

With Range’s match, the company raised more than $32,114 to donate toward the 2023 campaign.

All money – every penny – goes directly toward neighbors in need in Washington County to make sure they can celebrate a Thanksgiving with their loved ones.

“Our 2000 Turkeys event has become a holiday tradition for both Range and the community. It is our most popular volunteer event throughout the year with our employees and their families,” said Kylie Fuller community relations representative for Range. “It takes a whole community to come together and help our neighbors, and we are proud to be a part of the effort.”

The volunteers – including more than 80 students from Chartiers-Houston, Fort Cherry, Trinity, and Washington school districts and the Western Area Career and Technology Center – manned street corners along Pike Street in Canonsburg and Main Street in Washington, waving signs, clanging cow bells, and leading cheers, such as “When I say turkey, you say donation!”

A turkey mascot and pilgrim added to the festive mood, and disc jockeys provided music.

The generosity of Washington County residents was evident throughout the day. Cars and trucks honked their horns and pulled over to drop off donations of cash and checks.

“It’s an opportunity to help the community,” said Fort Cherry High School guidance counselor Regan McGlennon. “The students get community service hours through Fort Cherry, but beyond that, they experience giving back and being a blessing to others.”

More than 18,800 people in Washington County face hunger. That includes 1 in 8 children in the region who may not have enough food to get them through the day.

Anyone who wishes to donate to this year’s 2000 Turkeys campaign can make a contribution. Just send a check to 2000 Turkeys, P.O. Box 2000, Washington, Pa., 15301. The fundraiser runs until Thanksgiving, Nov. 23.