Merced, CA (November 29, 2025) — Hunger and rising costs didn’t keep families away this Thanksgiving season. Last week, hundreds gathered at the Merced County Fairgrounds for the Hostetler Turkey Giveaway, where organizers distributed 500 turkeys, along with cheese and locally grown almonds, to residents in need.
Some people arrived as early as midnight, braving cold fog and long lines long before the 11 a.m. distribution start, just to make sure their family would have a holiday meal. Recipients described the giveaway as a welcome relief during tough times.
The giveaway is part of a decades-long tradition started by the late Cathie Hostetler in the 1970s. After her passing in 2010, her husband Greg Hostetler continued the event in her memory, expanding it to multiple locations including Merced and Los Banos Fairgrounds.
As the holidays near, events like the Hostetler giveaway show how local generosity and long-standing traditions continue to bring tangible support to families in need, making Thanksgiving a little brighter for many.
