In 1984, then Officers Bruce Agnew # 4 and Alec Boga # 66 created our first Holiday Turkey Basket program. The idea was to provide local needy families with a holiday meal at both Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Funding for the program started with a bicycle ride to Lake Tahoe. Each of the officers participating in the ride raised money for each mile they rode. This event is still done each September. The Berkeley Rotary Club and the First Presbyterian Church of Berkeley also provide generous annual donations to the program.

Since 1984, the program has delivered over 10000 Holiday Turkey Baskets, each weighing about 35 pounds  for a total of over 20,000 pounds of food.

In the 2006 season, we delivered 250 baskets for Thanksgiving and 260 baskets for Christmas.  Each basket will include a frozen turkey, potatoes, canned foods, stuffing, vegetables and rolls. Recipients of the baskets are nominated by their local Beat officers who have identified the families from the previous year.

If you would like to provide assistance or volunteer on the the morning of preparation, contact the Berkeley Boosters at 704-0467 or Berkeley Police Community Services at 981-5808.