Los Banos, CA (November 19, 2025) — A beloved Los Banos tradition returns this holiday season as the Hostetler Turkey Giveaway marks more than three decades of generosity and community spirit. On Tuesday, November 25 at 11 a.m., 500 turkeys and bags of almonds will be handed out at the Los Banos Fairgrounds to families in need.
The giveaway, which began over 30 years ago, was started by the late Cathie Hostetler in the 1970s. Back then, the price of a turkey hovered around 73 cents a pound, but for many families in the Central Valley, even that was a stretch. Cathie recognized a need in her community and quietly began giving away turkeys during the holidays, ensuring local families could gather around the table for a proper Thanksgiving meal.
Following Cathie’s passing in 2010 from ALS, her husband Greg Hostetler continued the tradition in her honor, expanding the effort to include both Merced and Los Banos. Today, the Hostetler Turkey Giveaway spans two days and two cities, distributing a total of 1,000 turkeys to local households. Merced will hold its giveaway on Monday, November 24 at 11 a.m., followed by Los Banos the next day.
Over the years, the giveaway has become more than just a holiday handout—it’s a celebration of community and shared humanity. At past events, volunteers have arrived before dawn to set up, while families begin lining up hours ahead of time, some as early as 3:30 a.m., just to secure a spot. The energy is warm, hopeful, and unmistakably Central Valley.
At a previous event in Merced, one woman shared that the free turkey made all the difference for her family. With her mother undergoing treatment for liver cancer and an uncle recovering from a stroke, the holiday meal might not have happened without the giveaway. Her story is just one of many that underscore the deeper impact of the event—offering not just food, but comfort, dignity, and a sense of normalcy in tough times.
Volunteers from Hostetler Ranches and local farms like Joseph Farms join together each year to organize and distribute the turkeys. The giveaway also includes locally grown almonds, a nod to the agricultural roots of the region and a symbol of the community’s shared livelihood.
Participants should note that the giveaway is first come, first serve, and limited to one turkey per household. Families must present proof of address and a valid ID upon arrival. The Los Banos distribution will take place on Tuesday, November 25 at 11 a.m. at the Los Banos Fairgrounds.
As families across the region prepare for the holidays, the Hostetler Turkey Giveaway continues to serve as a reminder of what Thanksgiving is truly about: giving, gratitude, and community. In honoring Cathie Hostetler’s legacy, the event doesn’t just put food on tables; it fills hearts and strengthens the ties that hold the Los Banos community together.
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