As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Bulloch County is once again showing what makes our community so special — neighbors helping neighbors. From collecting canned goods for local families to running for a cause that supports education, the 2025 Thanksgiving Food Drive and Turkey Trot 5K are two heartwarming traditions that bring Statesboro together during the season of gratitude.

Filling Tables and Hearts: The Bulloch County Food Drive

This month, Bulloch County is hosting a county-wide food drive to support residents in need. County offices across the area are accepting canned goods, which will be donated to Christian Social Ministries in Statesboro to help provide Thanksgiving meals for local families. Donations are welcome at several convenient drop-off locations, including county fire stations.These efforts highlight how small acts of kindness can come together to make a big difference. Every can, box, and contribution helps fill a family’s table — and their hearts — this Thanksgiving.

Running for Education: The Turkey Trot 5K

While the food drive focuses on feeding families, the Statesboro Turkey Trot 5K gives residents another way to give back. Proceeds from the annual race benefit the Bulloch County Foundation for Public Education, which uses the funds to support local public schools through innovation grants for teachers, college scholarships for students, and awards for programs like Teacher of the Year and STAR Student/Teacher. It’s a fun, family-friendly event that blends fitness with purpose — runners, walkers, and even little ones in strollers come together each year to support the educators and students who shape our community’s future. By participating in the Turkey Trot, every step taken helps strengthen education right here in Bulloch County.

How You Can Get Involved

There are plenty of ways to join in this season of giving. You can donate canned goods at one of Bulloch County’s six manned fire stations or county offices, or register for the Turkey Trot 5K to help raise funds for local education initiatives. Those looking to make an even greater impact can also volunteer or sponsor one of the events, helping to expand their reach and strengthen community support. Every action — big or small — adds to the collective spirit of compassion that makes Statesboro shine.

From the fire stations collecting food to the runners racing for education, Statesboro continues to prove that community is the heart of Thanksgiving. Together, the 2025 Food Drive and Turkey Trot 5K remind us that generosity, teamwork, and gratitude can truly transform lives. So this Thanksgiving, let’s keep the momentum going — give what you can, show up where you can, and celebrate what makes our community so strong: the people who care.

Bulloch County Thanksgiving Food Drive: 

When: Ongoing leading up to Thanksgiving — drop-offs accepted now through the holiday period.

Where: Multiple county fire stations & county offices throughout Bulloch County (including Station 16, Hwy 67, near Statesboro) for drop-off.

What Time: Hours vary by location — donations may be dropped at the manned fire stations during their staffed hours. (Check local stations for specific times.)

Statesboro Turkey Trot 5K

When: Saturday, November 22, 2025

Where: Downtown Statesboro, GA. Start/finish at the Bulloch County Courthouse Square, E Main Street, Statesboro

Times:

  • Fun Run (12 & under): 8:45 AM EST

  • 5K run/walk: 9:00 AM EST

  • Awards & drawing: around 10:30-11:00 AM