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3K meals delivered
Operation Turkey’s Elgin chapter delivered its largest Thanksgiving effort to date this year, showcasing the community’s altruism as hundreds of volunteers gathered to serve more than 3,000 meals.
Organizers said this year’s event marked a significant jump in both need and community participation. An estimated 350 volunteers — about 100 more than last year — packed and delivered donations across Elgin, McDade, Paige, Giddings and Lexington Thanksgiving morning.
“We had a great turnout. It is growing,” Elgin operation leader Shametra McGregor said. “People are hearing about it and showing up. The parking lot was packed — it looked like a big party.”
A surge in demand kept requests rolling in and volunteers on the road until about 3 p.m., several hours later than past years. Local first responders also joined the effort, including members from the Elgin Police Department and Bastrop County Emergency Services.
The event was backed by dozens of sponsors and partner organizations, McGregor said. Bake-A-Wish, a regional network of bakers, contributed more than 300 pies, while Rising Sun Vineyard and Yegwa Creek Brewery helped transport smoked turkeys and supplies from Austin’s annual turkey tailgate.
“The love and the support are so overwhelming,” McGregor said. “Elgin really does show up.”
With the program’s rapid growth, organizers expect even greater need in 2026. They encouraged community members to sign up early to volunteer or receive updates through the Operation Turkey website.
McGregor said organizers also hope to eventually host a turkey tailgate in Elgin if a suitable venue becomes available.
“It was an eventful year,” she said. “I’m optimistic about 2026.”
More information is available at operationturkey. com/locations/elgin.
