During the public‑participation portion of the Nov. 10 DeKalb City Council meeting, former Alderman Bill Finukin and T.D. Ryan urged the community to support the Salvation Army’s holiday drives amid rising pantry use. Finukin said pantry daily use increased from about 40–50 clients to 60–70, with some days over 80, and described donations needed (nonperishable foods, hygiene items, and paper products) and collection logistics for Let's Talk Turkey (Nov. 21) and Freezing for Food.

T.D. Ryan described the history of the fundraisers and urged donations at the Hy‑Vee collection point, noting the event’s long track record and community partners including the DeKalb Fire Department and local businesses providing storage and collection support.

What happens next: organizers will collect turkeys, hams, food and cash donations at scheduled events; community members and local businesses are encouraged to contribute.

Actions: public comment and community outreach; no council action recorded beyond acknowledgment and applause.