TJ's Turkeys 2017-2018

This holiday season, help TJ's Turkeys provide Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas dinners, and other assistance to children and their families who are in need in the Saratoga community!

We need your help to make the holidays a special time for so many in our community. 

My name is TJ Tracy, and I’m honored to be recognized as a GoFundME Kid Hero. When I started TJ’s Turkeys, I never envisioned we’d be able to do what we’re doing today. This is my story…

In 2009, when I was 9 years old, my mom and I were talking about what we could do together as a family during Thanksgiving. I remember her explaining to me that one of our options was to “help families that don’t have much and might need help” and that we could do something to help them. I felt completely shocked and sad that there were families in our own community who didn’t have the means to celebrate a Thanksgiving dinner with their loved ones. I knew I had to do something...

I started TJs Turkeys in my local community, first with the intention of collecting donations to provide local families with Thanksgiving dinners. In our first year, we raised $200, and I was so proud and thankful. It made me realize that even as a 9-year-old kid, I could make a difference.

Over the years, TJ’s Turkeys has grown in numerous ways. Now, we provide families in need with Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas dinners and other support throughout the year. Perhaps what I’m most proud of is the fact that our organization gives kids an opportunity to give back to their community. A huge part of my mission has always been to encourage kids to realize that just because you’re a kid, doesn’t mean you can’t do what you’re passionate about and make a difference in the lives of others. We’ve even started a club at my high school to help in our year-round efforts.

To date, TJs Turkeys has raised over $60,000, and last year alone we raised $20,000. I continue to be amazed and so grateful for the support that pours in and grows year after year. It still blows me away that this idea to do something good when I was only 9 years old has impacted so many lives, for both donors and those receiving our help.

I want to say a huge thanks to all the people who’ve helped make TJ’s Turkeys what it is today.

So many families have been helped by the generosity of others, and we continue to do great things. I also want to encourage kids everywhere to follow their hearts, and remember that you’re never too young to make a difference. 

Thank you,
TJ