Hamilton organizers say Turkey Drop, Turkey Trot and related events raised thousands and boosted community ties
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Summary
Local organizers told City Council that several Thanksgiving‑season fundraisers and events — including a Turkey Drop and the annual Turkey Trot — raised money for veterans and youth services, drew thousands of participants, and aim to expand next year.
Hamilton’s Dec. 11 city council meeting featured extended recognition of Thanksgiving‑season volunteer events that organizers say raised money and strengthened neighborhood ties.
Organizers described several volunteer efforts. A community team said the citywide ’Hamilton Turkey’ food distribution grew quickly after launching during the COVID era — feeding about 700 people the first year and more than 5,000 in a later year — with help from partners such as Shared Harvest. Separately, an event billed as the Turkey Drop sold novelty numbered ‘turkeys’ and held a prize drop by the Hamilton Fire Department; organizers reported selling 470 turkeys and raising over $3,000 for the Butler County Veterans Memorial Wall.
“Shared Harvest was huge,” one presenter said, crediting Terry from Shared Harvest and local nonprofits for donations and logistics. Mike Farmer of the Butler County Veterans Service Commission told council the memorial project aims to dedicate a new memorial in Veterans Park on Sept. 28, 2025, and thanked local businesses for supporting the effort.
Katie Powers, who organizes the Hamilton Turkey Trot, told council the race began in a driveway 10 years ago and has grown into a downtown event that drew about 2,470 participants and 120 volunteers in 2024. Powers said the race supports Young Lives, a ministry serving teen parents, and that the event raised roughly $80,000 this year and about $300,000 over the past decade.
“I have an awesome team that comes together throughout the year,” Powers said, describing field trips, mentorship and expanded services the funds help support.
Sue Sanchez, a Young Lives participant, described how the program provided one‑on‑one mentoring and camp opportunities for her and her children. Councillors and the mayor applauded the volunteers, local businesses such as Municipal Brew Works and Poor House, event partners including Chatterbox Sports, and the city’s fire and police departments for logistical support.
Organizers said they plan to expand targets for next year’s events and encouraged continued community support for small businesses that help fund the programs.
The special‑presentations segment closed with council praise and a short demonstration of the race’s longtime ‘crash and dash’ cheer tradition.
What's next: Organizers said they will continue planning for 2025 events and pursue further fundraising for the veterans’ memorial and Young Lives program.
