15 Years of Giving: Pendas Law Firm's Annual Turkey Giveaway Touches Hundreds of Lives

Bay Area law firms to give away hundreds of turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving

Bridging Hope and Tradition: Pendas Law Firm’s 15 Years of Thanksgiving Generosity

Pendas Law Firm’s Turkey Giveaway

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, Pendas Law Firm celebrated its 15th annual turkey drive, bringing joy and sustenance to hundreds of households in need. With a tradition that has grown over the years, the law firm’s commitment to community support and generosity shone brightly in the faces of those who lined up for this special event.

Ursula Singleton, one of the grateful recipients, highlighted the significant impact, noting, “Well, that helps, six [to] seven hundred households.” The long queues witnessed that morning spoke volumes about the challenges many families face, emphasizing the critical role of initiatives like Pendas Law Firm’s turkey drive in supporting communities during challenging times.

Beverly Jones, who patiently waited to be among the first in line, expressed the prevailing sentiment, stating, “That says times are really hard at this part of our lives, and people really need help.” This sentiment echoes the broader reality that many families across the nation are grappling with, especially during the holiday season.

The American Farm Bureau Federation reported that the average cost of a Thanksgiving feast for 10 people is around $61. While this is a slight decrease from last year’s record of $64, it still represents a 25 percent increase from 2019. Economic challenges, coupled with the aftermath of events like Hurricane Ian, have made it difficult for numerous households to celebrate the holidays traditionally.

Pendas Law Firm’s partnership with Kroger played a crucial role in ensuring the success of the turkey drive. Lou Pendas, the firm’s CEO, expressed gratitude for this timely collaboration, saving a tradition that almost faced cancellation due to the challenges of procuring turkeys in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We thought it wasn’t going to happen,” Pendas shared. “We went everywhere to find turkeys and usually start this process in March. After Covid, it hasn’t been easy to get them.” Despite the hurdles, the firm’s commitment to its community prevailed, ensuring that thousands of families could enjoy a Thanksgiving turkey.

The tradition of giving at Pendas Law Firm began 15 years ago when Lou Pendas encountered a client who couldn’t afford a Thanksgiving turkey. Taking matters into his own hands, Pendas went to Publix and bought a turkey for the client, sparking a tradition that has since touched the lives of countless families across Florida.

15th Annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaway

Notably, the law firm operates on a simple and inclusive principle – turkeys are given away on a first-come, first-served basis, with no requirement for identification or proof of need. This approach reflects the firm’s belief in the importance of community support and the idea that everyone, regardless of circumstance, deserves to enjoy the warmth of a Thanksgiving meal.

Pendas Law Firm’s impact reaches far and wide, with over 2,200 turkeys given out statewide. In Fort Myers alone, more than 400 turkeys found new homes in just one hour, a testament to the immense need and the firm’s unwavering commitment to meeting it.

Lou Pendas, reflecting on the support received from the community over the years, emphasized, “The community has always supported us throughout the entire state of Florida. I think this is something that, quite honestly, we feel like it’s an obligation that we turn around and help them just as much as they’ve supported us throughout the years.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of community, reciprocity, and the power of giving to create a positive impact that lasts for generations.

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