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The Ultimate Turkey Call

Cherry Creek Radio needs turkeys for those in need

It all began with a few frozen turkeys. 

Twenty-six years ago, Missoula radio personalities Craig Johnson and Al Kessler shared a need on their radio show: agencies in Missoula were short on turkeys for Thanksgiving dinners. A couple of radio listeners decided to help, delivering frozen turkeys to Cherry Creek Radio. 

“It really started as guerrilla warfare to fight hunger,” explained Chris Wolfe, operations manager at Cherry Creek Radio. “That first year, there wasn’t much organization. It was just people helping people.” 

Cherry Creek Radio’s Annual Guerrilla Turkey Drive gathers frozen turkeys and cash donations each Thanksgiving to benefit food banks and social services agencies in western Montana. This year’s drive runs from November 16 through November 20. 

“We focus on the turkey,” said Chris. “It’s the hardest thing for some families to come by.”

Turkey is by far the most expensive piece of the Thanksgiving meal. Most food banks often have a good stock of canned goods or fresh potatoes. The need for turkeys hasn’t diminished in a quarter century of the drive. 

In 2020, the drive may prove even more crucial. 

“It’s really important to get the word out,” Chris explained. “Food banks are already getting hit hard with unemployment issues surrounding COVID-19.”

Chris says that each year, the drive gathers between 300 and 1,000 turkeys, in addition to cash donations that are distributed to local food banks and agencies, including the Missoula Food Bank, the Mineral County Food Bank, Darby Bread Box, Pantry Partners, Haven House, and HeadStart. 

Chris encourages local organizations and individuals to participate in the drive by organizing challenges or contests to collect turkeys and donations. 

“When it comes down to it, when there’s a big sale on turkeys, consider buying a turkey and bringing it in,” Chris said. 

In its 26-year run, Chris says numerous businesses, organizations, and civic groups have responded to the call for help: giving to their neighbors in celebration of an American holiday. 

According to Feeding America, one in 10 Montanans struggles with hunger, including one in six children. The Montana Food Bank Network reports that hunger’s long-term effects can include mental and physical health repercussions as well as learning difficulties for school-age children.

“Hunger is a pervasive issue in our communities,” Chris said. “We’re always willing to do wacky things to raise awareness for this turkey drive because this is so near and dear to our hearts.” 

Chris and the Cherry Creek Radio team do shots of turkey gravy to celebrate the first turkey donation each year. He’s also sat inside the refrigerated truck to gather donations. Station staff also head down to the Bitterroot during the drive to collect donations and raise funds. 

Food banks provide a crucial service to western Montana—especially in small communities—making sure people have enough food on the table. 

Chris goes on to explain that most people who visit a food bank only do so one time. 

“We have this preconceived notion of who uses a food bank,” Chris said. “But it could be anyone. With COVID-19 and its effects, more people are in danger of losing their food budget.”

Unexpected mechanic bills, home repairs, and medical emergencies can take a major toll on household finances and the grocery budget may be the first to be cut. 

“We’ll get letters with cash donations in the mail that say, ‘I had to use a food bank and I know what it’s like. I’m back on my feet and I want to give back. I know five bucks isn’t a lot, but I want to help,’” Chris said. 

He’s heard stories of school-age kids emptying out their piggy banks to buy a turkey. 

“We’ve had partner organizations donate dozens of turkeys,” Chris said. “But most donations come in one bird at a time. A lot of people want to be anonymous. This is friends helping each other.”

Chris says the drive has been successful due to the unique spirit of western Montana communities. 

“Montanans are an industrious bunch. We help out our neighbors in need when we can,” Chris said. “That’s the Montana way.” 

To donate to the 2020 Guerrilla Turkey Drive, drop off a frozen turkey between November 16 and 20 at the Cherry Creek Radio office, located at 1600 North Avenue West. For more information, call 406.728.5000. 

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