Russell Rowland turkey drive aims for 1,000 birds

Jacksonville firm Russell Rowland wants to feed more than 4,000 people across Northeast Florida for Thanksgiving, and St. Johns County families are on the list.

The structural engineering company launched its 7th Annual Turkey Drive with a goal of collecting more than 1,000 frozen turkeys, as first reported by Action News Jax. Each turkey is calculated to feed a family of four.

The drive started small. In 2020, the firm collected 22 turkeys. By 2025, that number had climbed to 801, according to the company's website. This year's goal would mark the first time the drive crosses four figures.

St. Johns County organizations among beneficiaries

Several groups serving St. Johns County, home to Ponte Vedra Beach and Nocatee, are set to receive turkeys. They include the Homeless Coalition of St. Johns County, the Betty Griffin Center and Gracie's Kitchen. Families in the St. Johns County School District will also receive turkeys, along with families in Clay County, Duval County and Nassau County school systems.

Other Northeast Florida recipients include Hubbard House, Mandarin Food Bank, REthreaded, Sanctuary on 8th Street and St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Atlantic Beach.

How to donate

Frozen turkeys can be dropped off at Russell Rowland's Jacksonville office, 12854 Kenan Dr. #125, on Nov. 17, 18 and 19 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Northeast Florida Builders Association (NEFBA) is also accepting monetary donations through the NEFBA Charitable Foundation, Action News Jax reported.

Jackie Rowland, president and CEO of Russell Rowland, called the effort "a community movement" and credited "the generosity we see from local businesses and neighbors each year," according to Action News Jax. She said every turkey feeds at least a family of four, so each donation reaches further than people expect.

The firm is also expanding the drive to its Tampa office, where it plans to contribute 115 turkeys to support service members at MacDill Air Force Base, working alongside volunteer Bonnie O'Brien of the American Legion Auxiliary USS Tampa Unit 5.