For over 20 years, Hercules Industries has partnered with Catholic Charities to help feed thousands of people in need. This year, the company’s donation of 1,700 turkeys will have an enormous impact stretching well beyond Thanksgiving and into the months ahead.
Each year, Hercules Industries, a manufacturer and distributor of sheet metal products, organizes a large-scale turkey drive as part of its charitable efforts through its Metal of Honor Fund. The initiative involves employees and clients raising funds, sourcing turkeys from local retailers like Walmart and Target and delivering them to Catholic Charities. This year’s drive secured 1,700 turkeys, a significant increase from previous years.
According to Mary Larson, Director of Warehousing and Food Services at Catholic Charities, the donation will serve multiple purposes.
“First, we hand out turkeys to organizations that need help. That includes Marisol alumni, parishes and housing sites. After that, whatever is left over is used in the Samaritan House kitchen to feed our shelters,” Mary explained.
Of the 1,700 turkeys received, about 535 were distributed to parishes and food banks, 110 to housing sites and 50 to the Little Flower Center. The remaining 1,000 turkeys will be stored and cooked throughout the year to feed shelter residents at Samaritan House locations across Denver, Marisol Homes and Mullen Home.
“These turkeys are essential because protein donations are rare,” Mary said. “We typically get fresh or canned goods from food banks but having a steady supply of protein is a big deal. Last year, we had about 1,000 turkeys left over and used them up by August, with volunteers preparing them in soups, stews and other meals.”
For Hercules Industries, supporting Catholic Charities aligns with the company’s values of human dignity, servant leadership and promoting the common good.
“Our position as a Catholic-based organization makes this partnership a natural fit,” said Rod Valdez, Vice President of Distribution Operations at Hercules Industries. “Catholic Charities’ outreach extends well beyond our capabilities, and partnering with them allows us to consolidate our efforts to serve those in need.”
Hercules Industries’ commitment to community service is deeply rooted in its Metal of Honor Fund, which spearheads various charitable initiatives throughout the year, from high school scholarships to providing school supplies and organizing a golf tournament fundraiser.
“We tap into the energy, enthusiasm and resources within our industry to promote giving back to the communities that support us. We’re serious about our goals, but we also enjoy the process of accomplishing them,” Rod explained.
For Catholic Charities, the annual turkey donation has become a cornerstone of its food services, ensuring that shelters and vulnerable communities have access to nutritious meals long after the holiday season ends.
“We are incredibly grateful for their continued donation,” Mary said. “This donation allows us to have protein in our freezer for our participants year-round.”