Missoula’s Guerrilla Turkey Drive Returns for 31st Year

Over thirty years ago, what started as a simple generous gesture has continued to grow and help hungry people in Western Montana have a turkey for Thanksgiving.

The Guerrilla Turkey Drive started with Craig and Al on Z100 Missoula's Only Classic Rock in the mid-1990’s when a call was put out that the Missoula Food Bank needed some turkeys for the upcoming holiday. That’s when the listeners stepped up to help fill that need.

A Thanksgiving Tradition Born in Missoula

Over the years, the need to help feed the hungry has continued to grow — and so has the turkey drive. With the generosity of our listeners and businesses, every year we have expanded the drive to help provide turkeys for multiple agencies. We help provide turkeys for the Darby Bread Box, Haven House in Hamilton, Pantry Partners in Stevensville, Mineral County Food Bank, Missoula Head Start and the Missoula Food Bank.

Traditionally, a turkey is the main protein of a Thanksgiving meal. A turkey can feed a family of four with leftovers. Turkeys are more than just food. With a turkey on the table, a family can have a sense of normalcy. This year, there are a lot of unknowns for the people who rely on our local food banks.

We will be kicking off our 31st Annual Guerrilla Turkey Drive on Monday, November 17, and will run that week, wrapping up on Friday, November 21. All donations received will count towards the “Can the Cats” food drive totals.

We have already been working hard behind the scenes to make sure the turkey drive will happen this year. We couldn’t do it without some amazing partners.

Meet the Partners Making It Possible in 2025

This year, Missoula Motor Company and Clearwater Credit Union have stepped up to help with the turkey drive in a big way. We are also getting help from True North Direct Primary Care. The refrigerated truck will be provided by LineHaul Logistics.

No one should have to worry about feeding their family, especially during the holidays. We’re proud to partner with Townsquare Media and other local business partners for this year’s Guerrilla Turkey Drive. Together, we’re turning generosity into action to help our neighbors in need.- Deborah Colby, Chief Marketing Officer of Clearwater Credit Union

We couldn’t do this event without the support of our listeners and the generosity of everyone who donates a turkey for our upcoming food drive.

At Missoula Chevrolet, we believe in the value of being good community citizens. Our success is built on the strength and support of the communities we serve, and giving back is an important way we show our gratitude. We’re proud to partner with Town Square Media for this year’s Turkey Drive to help make the season brighter for local families in need.- Nick Loran, Fixed Ops Manager, Missoula Motor Company

We couldn’t be more thankful for everything you do for our community this holiday season.