Golden State Today

The 11th annual turkey drive organized by the University of California Police Department (UCPD) faced challenging weather conditions this year. Despite the rain, a group of approximately 24 UC Berkeley students, staff, and police officers distributed 100 Thanksgiving meals and gift cards to families at University Village in Albany on Friday.

University Village serves as a housing complex for students with families. Each year, residents can apply to receive meals through the turkey drive. The management team collaborates with community leaders to identify families in need. This year's distribution involved Community Service Organization student workers and sworn police officers who navigated through difficult weather to deliver the meals.

"The turkey drive is a special way for UCPD to connect with the UC Berkeley community as well as make a meaningful impact on our UVA families," said UCPD Sgt. Jake Westlie, who played a key role in organizing the event.

Cal Dining provided the turkeys and produce for the drive, while UCPD and the Federated University Police Officers’ Association contributed gift cards.