Newsroom

Thanksgiving Turkeys and Hams for 

300 Monterey Peninsula Families Made Possible by

Chris Shake and Sabu J.R. Shake's Sponsorship via distribution by the Salvation Army Corps of the Monterey Peninsula

Also, over 8000 people will receive free Thanksgiving meals distributed from the Sabu Shake, Sr. Good Samaritan Center in Sand City and Salvation Army Office in Seaside

November 21, 2025. Monterey, CA. Thanks to the generous sponsorship by Chris Shake and Sabu J.R. Shake, owners of Old Fisherman's Grotto, Fish Hopper Restaurant and Fish Hopper Kona Restaurant, 300 families will receive turkeys or hams in time for Thanksgiving dinner.  The Salvation Army is providing hope for neighbors in need in Monterey Peninsula. 

Today, November 21^st, from 9am-5pm, 300 pre-selected low to very-low income households will be provided with a Turkey or Ham from the Salvation Army office in Seaside. These turkeys and hams are sponsored by generous donors at the Shake's Annual Turkey Drive. To date, the Shakes have raised over $45,000 for the Turkey and Ham Fundraising Drive.

Distributed from the Sabu Shake, Sr. Good Samaritan Center in Sand City and Salvation Army office, they are also providing turkeys and hams to feed over 8000 people for the Salinas Salvation Army, Watsonville Salvation Army mobile ministries, Monterey  County Fairgrounds' Thanksgiving lunch, the Marina community Thanksgiving lunch and Al & Friends' beach service, all being distributed from the Sabu  Shake Sr. good Samaritan center in Sand city

This distribution is the first major distribution of the holidays. Another 400-500 families will be served Christmas dinners on December 18-19, 2025. At the Christmas distribution, The Salvation Army plans to also provide toys for approximately 700 children who would otherwise go without.

According to Captain Ashley Koebel, Corps Officer, "Reducing food insecurity is a priority for The Salvation Army all year around. The holidays can be a very difficult time for many families but thanks to the generous giving in our community, no one needs to go without."

"It is truly our honor to have raised $45,000 so far to help ensure that local families can enjoy a meaningful Thanksgiving meal," said Sabu J.R. Shake, co-owner of The Fish Hopper. "Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and our ongoing partnership with The Salvation Army, 300 households will receive a turkey or ham today, along with grocery gift vouchers that bring comfort and dignity to the holiday table. Over 8000 people will also be served a delicious Thanksgiving meal next week. We're grateful for the opportunity to support our neighbors in need, not only at Thanksgiving, but throughout the holiday season."

About The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army helps people overcome poverty, recover from disasters and economic hardships through a range of emergency disaster services and social services. The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, clothing and shelter for the homeless, disaster relief, senior activity and outreach, adult rehabilitation, and opportunities for underprivileged children.