Operation TurkeyDay

Hello, good people from all around the world!

My name is Aaron Sheridan, and I’m a Bay Area native, father to two amazing grown sons, husband to my beautiful and awesome wife, December, and a Senior Solutions Architect for a Bay Area Cyber Security company.

Earlier this year, on February 29, I was diagnosed with severe heart failure, with my left ventricle operating at just 19%. My condition worsened rapidly, to the point where climbing a single flight of stairs left me breathless. I had to make a life-altering choice: completely change my lifestyle—diet, exercise, everything—or face a much shorter life expectancy.

Nine months later, I am proud to say I’ve made that change. Heart failure, as strange as it sounds, turned out to be a blessing in disguise. By radically transforming my habits, I now feel better than ever—both physically and mentally. At 47, I’m in the best shape of my life and have nearly reversed my heart failure symptoms. This second chance has inspired me to give back and make a difference.

What is Operation TurkeyDay?

This Thanksgiving, I want to give back to the community by surprising the homeless population in San Jose with proper Thanksgiving meals. Along with the meals, I’ll be distributing resources for addiction treatment and housing assistance. I know that you can’t force someone into rehab or housing, but these individuals are suffering, and if I can help even one person make it through the day, it’s worth it to me.

My plan goes beyond providing meals. I’ll also bring trash receptacles to each location and return in the evening to load and dispose of the garbage responsibly. This initiative is entirely about kindness—no politics, no judgment, just a desire to spread some joy and dignity to those who need it most.

How Will the Funds Be Used?

The funds raised will go toward:

1. Thanksgiving Meals

• Turkey

• Cranberry sauce

• Stuffing

• Mashed potatoes and gravy

• Green beans

• Bread rolls

2. Essential Supplies

• Aluminum to-go boxes with locking lids

• Water bottles

• Coffee (with cups and lids)

• Plastic utensils and napkins

• Hygiene kits (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, etc.)

• Large contractor bags

3. Warmth and Comfort

• Blankets (and donated clothing/blankets—please reach out if you’d like to contribute)

Why Not Just Donate to Larger Charities?

While I deeply respect organizations like Second Harvest, my family and I want to take a hands-on approach. We believe in the power of direct action: gathering resources, preparing meals, and personally delivering them to those in need. It’s our way of making a tangible, immediate difference.

How You Can Help

I’m putting $500 of my own money towards a very ambitious $5,000 goal. I think with 5k we can reach ALOT of folks in need. Every contribution will make an impact—whether it’s donating money, volunteering your time, or providing blankets and hygiene items.

Let’s rally together to make this Thanksgiving special for some of San Jose’s most vulnerable residents. Thank you for your support, and let’s create smiles, full bellies, and warm hearts this holiday season!

Thank you so much,

Aaron Sheridan

We will record the adventure to encourage others to do the same!

God bless you, thank you for reading!

TikTok @aaroncharles52 #heartfailureavenger

Our mission this Thanksgiving!

We are receiving a ton of positive support from folks!

My wife and I are also in the progress of organizing a monthly operation to help even more folks on a consistent basis! God bless you all and thank you!

UPDATE: Thank you everyone for all of the support. We are so very grateful and excited that with your donations we will be able to help many folks who are having a rough time! This is awesome thank you!