YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – If you see a trail of motorcyclists between Girard, Poland and the Rescue Mission of the Mahoning Valley in Youngstown on Saturday, you most likely are witnessing the sixth annual Turkey Trot.
Local riders will meet at Master’s Bar and Grill in Girard at 9 a.m. to kick off the annual event of purchasing turkeys and all the fixings to help the rescue mission offer some special meals during the holiday season.
The event is an effort organized by Tony “Bear” Landis and a group of local bikers.
“We heard the mission needed some help six years ago, and we all came together and started donating money and turkeys,” Landis said. “We named it the Turkey Trot, and we do it every year the week before Thanksgiving.”
Landis said it has grown from a small group of riders concerned about those in need in the community to an annual mission.
“The first year we had one or two SUVs, but a lot of people came on their bikes with a turkey strapped to the bike,” Landis said. “It’s gotten bigger and bigger – rain, snow or shine.”
One year it was 18 degrees, but Landis said 30 hearty people rode their bikes to participate in the effort.
“It’s just something we love to do. … We’ve been riding our bikes for years, and we always show up on our motorcycles,” Landis said.
The group will leave from Master’s Bar and Grill on Trumbull Avenue at 11:30 a.m. and head to the Walmart on Doral Drive in Boardman. When they arrive at the store, they’ll load up carts with turkeys and other items.
Landis said in the past, other shoppers have asked what was happening and felt moved to help.
“They hand us $10 or $20 right then and there. It’s awesome,” Landis said.
Donations also can be made through Cash App ($BearTrot88) or Venmo (@Anthony-Landis-5).
Landis invites anyone who wants to help to come along, bring some nonperishable food items to donate or just give of their time. Some who don’t ride motorcycles bring their vehicles, and the group loads them up with turkeys and other items before they make the trip to the rescue mission at 1 p.m.
The local Teamsters and the (330) Motorcycle Enthusiasts group are among those who help with the effort.
“It all comes from the heart – whatever they can do,” Landis said. “We love to do it, and it’s a humbling experience and a lot of people love to do it.”
According to the rescue mission, in 2023 there was an 18% increase in the number of meals served, a total of 123,736 meals.
The rescue mission informed Landis that the Turkey Trot helps people throughout the year, not just during Thanksgiving.
“We are so grateful for Mr. Landis and his group faithfully providing us turkeys and sides for our Thanksgiving meal,” said Mike Byers, kitchen director at the rescue mission. “We have seen a substantial increase in meals being served, so it is even more of a blessing to have these faithful donors meeting the need. We are thankful for the Lord’s provision.”
In addition to providing meals, the rescue mission also offers shelter to those experiencing homelessness. For more information, visit the organization’s website.
Pictured at top: Turkey Trot participants at the rescue mission in 2022.