HUNTINGTON, NY – For nearly two decades, the Sorrentino Family Foundation Turkey Giveaway has stood as a powerful testament to what can happen when a community rallies behind a mission. What began with just 40 turkeys in the back of a pickup truck has become a massive annual operation, one that this year distributed 3,500 turkeys along with plentiful sides in fully stocked meal bags.
Building a Larger-Than-Ever Thanksgiving Impact
This year’s giveaway demonstrated remarkable growth and planning. In partnership with Signature Premier Properties, Sal Ferro’s The Ferro Foundation, Michael Brown’s Empire Automotive Group, and Tracey Edwards with The Lions Club and Huntington NAACP, the Sorrentino Family Foundation was able not only to provide thousands of turkeys, but to elevate the experience by including bags of Thanksgiving staples such as mac and cheese, stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and gravy.
To avoid supply issues seen in past years, the team secured their turkey order early, placing deposits as far back as August. The result: 3,500 frozen turkeys, 1,800 complete meal bags plus 4 box trucks stuffed with fixings ready for distribution, ensuring families received not just a bird but a full holiday meal.
The team also provided 500 turkeys to Team EVA for veterans, with an additional 50 turkeys added last-minute to meet unexpected demand. This adaptability remains a defining feature of the program’s spirit.
Strategic Distribution with Community at the Center
A key element of the giveaway’s success is its reliance on structured partnerships and organized outreach. The Suffolk County Police Department Second Precinct, school districts, local houses of worship, charity organizations and Huntington’s Director of Human Services Kevin Thorbourne all play vital roles in distributing vouchers ahead of time, ensuring that resources go to families who need them most.
After 5:00 PM, any surplus turkeys are offered to walk-ins without vouchers, maximizing reach and eliminating waste. Distribution also extends beyond the event grounds to organizations such as the Flanagan Senior Center, Helping Hand Rescue Mission, and local food pantries including Island Harvest, ensuring nothing goes unused.
The team also marks Veterans Day with targeted outreach, distributing 50–60 vouchers at Huntington Town Hall to support those who have served.
Fundraising Power: Building Momentum and Support
This year, the Sorrentino Family Foundation raised an impressive $51,000 to purchase the turkeys – an accomplishment reflecting widespread community confidence and generosity.
In the early years, Andre and his brother personally covered most of the costs with only a handful of donors. Today, thanks to a network of partners, the initiative has flourished.
The Annual Turkey Drive Fundraiser also sparks a peak fundraising cycle, helping the team secure deposits and supplies earlier each year. Ongoing support comes through Venmo @Kimberly Sorrentino-1 and mailed checks to the Sorrentino Turkey Drive, 27 Preston Street, Huntington, NY 11743 sustaining not only this event but future holiday efforts as well.
While this year’s volunteer roster was full, the Foundation warmly welcomes new helpers for next year as the operation continues to grow.
A Tradition Rooted in Heart: Looking Ahead
Andre reflected on how the turkey drive has evolved from a small, personal undertaking to a robust community effort fueled by generosity and local pride. His message remains simple yet powerful: “When everyone contributes a little, we can cover a lot.”
Now marking 18 years, the program has become a cherished local tradition – and its reach continues to expand. Beyond Thanksgiving, the Foundation’s commitment stretches into the holiday season with helping the Huntington Station Latin Quarter Annual Holiday Toy Drive and other community initiatives.
Each year, the event cultivates not only gratitude but genuine camaraderie. From group moments with volunteers to shared smiles during distribution, the Sorrentino Family Foundation Turkey Giveaway creates a warm, festive atmosphere that embodies the true spirit of giving.
Donors & Partners Honored
The Sorrentino Family Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to the individuals and organizations who made this year’s Turkey Giveaway possible:
Signature Premier Properties, Tracey Edwards – The Lions Club and Huntington NAACP, Sal Ferro – The Ferro Foundation, Michael Brown – Empire Automotive Group, 9th Street Auto Collision, Huntington Station Business Improvement District, Dix Hills Fire Department, dozens of local businesses, community volunteers and supporters.
Their generosity continues to uplift thousands of Huntington families, proving once again that community is strongest when we give together.
Photography by Dana E. Richter. Videography by June Margolin.
