Friday, November 6, 2026
With Thanksgiving just weeks away, several local organizations are stepping up to make sure no one in Valley Stream goes without a holiday meal. From an elected official’s office to a veterans post to a community nonprofit, groups across the village are handing out free turkeys and food this month. Each giveaway has its own rules: some require registration or ID, and others are first-come, first-served. Here are three places to pick up a free turkey, and what to know before you go.
Assemblywoman Solages’ office turkey giveaway
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages’ office will hand out turkeys Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 1 to 5 p.m. at 33 N. Central Ave., helping local families prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday. The giveaway is intended to provide additional support to residents as they plan their holiday meals and gather with loved ones. Registration is required, and walk-ins will not be accepted. Residents must call the office at 516-599-2972 to sign up before they arrive. Quantities are limited, so the office is urging people to call as early as possible to reserve a turkey. Those who register should confirm their pickup details when they call to ensure a smooth distribution process.
VFW Post 1790 will hold a turkey drive for veterans Friday, Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the post, 65 E. Merrick Road, helping local veterans and their families prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday. Along with turkeys, the post plans to distribute canned goods to help recipients put together a traditional holiday meal. Veterans should bring a veteran ID card or their DD-214 discharge papers to receive the food. The drive is sponsored by Long Island Cares, Island Harvest, IHOP, Jersey Mike’s Subs and the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce. The initiative reflects a communitywide effort to recognize veterans for their service while offering additional support during the holiday season.
Giving Back to Community’s food distribution
Giving Back to Community will hold its annual Thanksgiving food distribution Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 31 E. Merrick Road, just down the road from VFW Post 1790. The local nonprofit will give out free turkeys along with other essentials for a holiday meal, helping families put together a complete Thanksgiving dinner. The annual initiative aims to ease the financial burden of holiday preparations while ensuring that more families can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal together. Because it’s held on a Saturday, it’s a good option for residents who work during the week and can’t make the weekday giveaways. Families should bring bags to carry their items home.
