For 15 years, the Tru Breed Motorcycle Club has made Thanksgiving brighter for families on Minneapolis’ northside, and this year they’re gearing up for their biggest giveaway yet as all the motorcycle clubs come together to do good for the community. What started with 75 frozen turkeys has steadily multiplied as need has increased, with last year helping around 400 families and this year’s ambitious goal aiming to provide for four times that amount. Longtime Twin Cities motorcycle scene members Kim Smith and Mike Oker have watched the tradition grow year after year, noting that current challenges including government shutdowns have left many families in tough situations.
Oker explains that the political situation is hurting people on the streets, prompting the group to launch an online fundraiser rallying supporters to help reach this year’s goal of feeding 1,600 families. The fundraiser emphasizes that as people join friends and family to show thanks for blessings, the annual turkey drive provides an opportunity to express gratitude by giving back and making traditional meals possible for hungry children, seniors, and families in need. For the riders, it’s about much more than distributing turkeys, it’s about neighbors lifting up neighbors and keeping the northside community strong no matter what challenges come. The growing tradition proves that when communities unite with a common purpose, they can multiply their impact exponentially and ensure no family goes without during the holidays.
