OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.–What is annually a tradition at many credit unions is being gobbled up this year by members and consumers, with at least one CU saying food uncertainty is on display.
In Oklahoma, True Sky Federal Credit Union is reporting it passed out 250 turkeys to the community near its Capitol Hill branch in about 13 minues.
“Got here a little before 8:00 to start setting up the tables, getting the turkeys out. And people were already lined up. They were not in their cars. They were just lined up,” Board Vice Chair Kevin Carrel told KFOR.
The news outlet noted that Oklahomans have faced a lot of food uncertainty recently, with SNAP benefits being on pause.
“The credit union has always been focused not just on the members but also on the community or communities, in our case,” Carrel told KFOR. “And with everything going on, we always look forward to this. So, we’re always thinking, what can we do to give back to the community? And this is one way to do it as we go into the holiday season.
True Sky reported it also plans to give back to its own employees later this week.
“We’ll split up, and we’ll all go out, and it’s a fun time. It’s a chance to thank our employees, give them hugs and and tell them they’ve done a great job. We’re in that season now,” Carrel said.
Big Giveaway in South Florida
Meanwhile, in South Florida, Dade County Federal Credit Union has announced the dates and locations for its 2025 Annual Turkey Drive, during which it plans to distribute 700 turkeys across Miami-Dade and Broward counties this year, continuing a tradition it started in 2019.
DCFCU staff will host multiple drive-through events on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations at numerous branch locations.
“Our Annual Turkey Drive is one of the most important events of the year for the DCFCU team,” Chief Experience Officer Federica Chalumeau said in a statement. “For over six years, we have been proud to give back to the communities that support us. Distributing over 700 turkeys this year is a reflection of our enduring commitment to helping South Florida families have a joyful and secure holiday season.”
The credit union added that its employees are contributing to the drive by writing personal notes to gratitude and holiday cheers to be included with each turkey.
