PAWTUCKET — As the holiday season approaches, a familiar and festive tradition is preparing to return to the Jeanne Jugan Residence. The Little Sisters of the Poor have announced their annual Turkey Drop, calling on the local community to help bring comfort, warmth, and nutritious meals to the elderly residents in their care.
While the annual collection ensures a traditional Thanksgiving feast, the impact of the drive lasts far beyond the holiday season. The donated frozen turkeys provide meals for residents throughout the entire year. Kitchen staff prepare turkey weekly as a comforting dining alternative, transforming the donations into roasted dinners, savory pies, and soups enjoyed across both the skilled nursing, assisted living, and apartment communities at the residence.
Originally launched over a decade ago as a single-day event, the Turkey Drop expanded to a multi-day drive to give donors more flexibility. Past years have seen hundreds of frozen birds arrive at the home, brought by a wide variety of supporters — from local faith-based organizations and neighborhood families to motorcycle groups rolling in with dozens of turkeys at a time.
The initiative reflects the heart of the Little Sisters’ mission and charism, inherited from their foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan. Grounded in the practice of relying on daily acts of community generosity, the Sisters view every donor as an essential partner in their mission to care for the elderly.
How to Help
Members of the public are invited to support the drive in several ways: Frozen Turkey Donations: Delivered to the Jeanne Jugan Residence (964 Main St., Pawtucket) between Nov. 18 and Nov. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monetary Gifts and Cards: Gratefully accepted to assist with ongoing resident care and holiday preparations. For more information, questions, or to make special delivery arrangements, contact the Little Sisters of the Poor at 401-723-4314.
