22nd Annual Washington County Turkey-A-Thon Set for Oct. 9

For Immediate Release 

Date: September 9, 2026

Program Contact: Jasmine Haines, Healthy Acadia, jasmine.haines@healthyacadia.org, (207) 664-7047

Media Contact: Tracey Carlson, Healthy Acadia, tracey@healthyacadia.org 

22nd Annual Washington County Turkey-A-Thon Set for Oct. 9

MACHIAS, Maine - As the holiday season approaches, the 22nd annual Washington County Turkey-A-Thon will once again bring the community together to help ensure local families can enjoy a nutritious holiday meal.

Classic Hits 92.7/95.3 FM and The Border 102.9 FM, in partnership with Healthy Acadia and sponsored by Dunkin’ in Calais and Machias and VL Tammaro of Calais, will host the annual Turkey-A-Thon on Friday, Oct. 9.

From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., volunteers from sponsoring businesses, Healthy Acadia and the community will be stationed at seven locations throughout Washington County to collect monetary donations. All funds raised will go directly toward purchasing gift certificates from local grocery stores for Washington County food pantries and food security programs. These gift certificates help individuals and families access the food they need to prepare a nutritious holiday meal.

A donation of just $12 can provide a turkey for a family of four, and contributions of any amount are welcome and appreciated.

This year, organizers have set a goal of raising $40,000 and are inviting schools, civic groups, businesses, nonprofit organizations and community members throughout Washington County to help make it happen.

The Turkey-A-Thon has a strong history of community support. In 2025, community members donated $40,538, surpassing the $40,000 goal and setting a new record for the event. More than $40,000 was also raised in a single day in 2024.

“Each year, this event reminds us of the generosity and compassion that exists throughout Washington County,” organizers said. “Every donation, no matter the amount, helps make the holidays a little brighter for our neighbors.”

Community members can make a donation at any of the following collection sites between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9:

  • Downeast Credit Union, Baileyville

  • Four Corners Shop ’n Save, Columbia

  • Dunkin’, Machias

  • VL Tammaro, Calais

  • First National Bank, Eastport

  • Bayside Supermarket, Milbridge

  • Flat Iron Corner, Lubec

Donations may be made by cash or check payable to Turkey-A-Thon, or through Venmo to Jeff Demmons (@jeff-demmons) or PayPal to Jeffrey Demmons (@jeffreydemmons1).

Classic Hits 92.7/95.3 FM will acknowledge contributions on air and broadcast live from the Dunkin’ studio at VL Tammaro Oil in Calais throughout the event.

For more information, contact Jeff Demmons at Classic Hits 92.7/95.3 FM at 207-214-5984 or katjeff3184@gmail.com, or Jasmine Haines at Healthy Acadia at 207-664-7047 or jasmine.haines@healthyacadia.org. Community members can also find the Washington County Turkey-A-Thon on Facebook.

Healthy Acadia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community health organization working to build vibrant communities and make it easier for everyone to lead healthy lives throughout Hancock and Washington counties and across Maine. To learn more about Healthy Acadia’s work to strengthen food security and support community health, visit www.healthyacadia.org.

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PRESS RELEASETracey Carlsonfood security networks, food pantry, HFFA, Washington County, food fundraiser 2026