Submitted Photo People pack boxes for last year’s Turkey Drive in December 2018 in this photo provided to the Minot Daily News by Pete Ladendorf.

The Trinity Health Foundation, in partnership with KHRT Horn of Plenty, is beginning its eighth annual Turkey Drive.

The drive will help purchase turkeys and other items for needy families within a 100 mile radius of Minot for the holidays. The gift boxes will be distributed to families right before Christmas.

Al Evon, the foundation director, said the campaign has helped more than 1,000 families in the area over the last few years. This year the foundation’s goal is to raise $10,500, according to Trinity.

“The goal isn’t just to give them one meal,” said Evon. “…(We want to) provide them with groceries to last a week at a very critical time of year.”

People can donate any amount of money, but Evon said a donation of $15 will pay for the purchase of a turkey for a needy family and a donation of $45 will pay for an entire gift box.

Toys will also be included in the box for families that have children, said Evon.

Evon said families must be nominated to receive a turkey by someone in the community. Families cannot nominate themselves.

The drive will continue through Dec. 5. Contributions can be sent to Trinity Health Foundation Turkey Drive, PO Box 5020, Minot, ND 58702-5020, by visiting the Foundation’s website at trinityhealth.org/foundation/donate-to-the-foundation/turkey-drive-to-benefit-the-horn-of-plenty, or by dropping it off at the Trinity Health Foundation office on the 2nd floor of Trinity Hospital – St. Joseph’s.

Nomination forms are also available at different locations.

“We hope the community will join with Trinity’s staff, volunteers, and board members to make a difference in the health of the community and give families hope at a critical time of the year,” Evon said.