Annual ‘Turkey Ride’ In Montclair Will Benefit Food Pantry

MONTCLAIR, NJ — An annual “turkey ride” to benefit a local food pantry is returning to Montclair for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The Montclair Bikery’s 10th annual Turkey Ride to collect turkeys for the Human Needs Food Pantry will take place on Nov. 20. Organizers said that cyclists plan to meet at the Montclair Bikery at 145 Valley Road at 9 a.m. and ride a “flat, 15-mile circuitous route” to the Brookdale ShopRite on Broad Street in Bloomfield, where they will buy frozen turkeys and deliver them (by bike and van) to the Human Needs Food Pantry in Montclair.

In turn, the Human Needs Food Pantry will distribute more than 1,500 turkeys and all the fixings for a Thanksgiving meal for their clients this week.

All riders must be 18 years or older, or 13+ with a parent, and are asked to bring $20 to buy the turkey, which is being discounted by the Brookdale ShopRite. Cyclists may buy additional turkeys and these will be transported to the pantry.

Interested participants should register at www.bikereg.com/Montclair-Bikery-Turkey-Ride or in person at the store prior to the ride.

Last year, more than 350 cyclists enjoyed a crisp autumn day, buying and donating 600 turkeys to the pantry. Over the last nine years, the Turkey Ride has collected over 3,300 turkeys and raised more than $200,000.

This year, the Montclair Bikery is hoping to have 400 cyclists and collect 600 turkeys for neighbors in need.

According to the Human Needs Food Pantry, which also services nearby towns in Essex County:

“We are grateful to the Montclair Bikery and all those who organize and participate in the annual Turkey Ride. Last year our pantry gave out 1500 turkeys to people in need in Montclair, Bloomfield and throughout Essex County. Since Covid hit in 2020, we have added over 2,300 new households (70 in October) who come to us for assistance. Our daily service numbers have increased and we are still doing approximately 250 deliveries to homebound people each week. We thank each and every one of the charitable people who make this happen. The turkey ride truly exemplifies the spirit of giving thanks for all we have by sharing with others who are less fortunate.”

“It’s always inspiring to me to see so many people who are willing to give of themselves and share in such a fun event,” said Dave Adornato, the owner of the Montclair Bikery. “That helps motivate us to give back to this great community.”

Can’t make the ride on Nov. 20? You can still help out the Human Needs Food Pantry by making a contribution for turkeys at the Montclair Bikery, organizers said:

“Partners For Health will match all monetary donations up to $10,000 made between now and Nov. 20. It’s easy to donate at www.JustGiving.com/campaign/turkeyride2022. Or checks can be made out to the Human Needs Food Pantry and dropped off at The Montclair Bikery or the Human Needs Food Pantry.”

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