Hundreds of Pantex employees chose to give away their holiday gift instead of taking it home this year — donating more than 640 frozen turkeys to the High Plains Food Bank to help families across the Texas Panhandle enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.
The donation comes as many families prepare for Thanksgiving amid tighter budgets and rising food costs across the region.
Pantex purchased a turkey for each employee as part of its annual holiday appreciation effort. According to the company, about 4,800 turkeys were bought, and employees were given the option to donate theirs instead of keeping it. Roughly 650 employees chose to donate, leading to a large delivery Tuesday morning, Nov. 18 to High Plains Food Bank.
“We learned very quickly that Pantexans have huge hearts,” said Laura Bailey, senior director of communications for Pantex. “They work here, live here, and play here — their families are here. They simply wanted to help their neighbors have a holiday meal.”
The donated turkeys will be distributed through HPFB’s network of 139 partner agencies and programs, reaching families in dozens of communities across the region.
High Plains Food Bank Executive Director Zack Wilson speaks with Laura Bailey, senior director of communications for Pantex, among stacks of donated turkeys at the food bank warehouse in Amarillo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025.
Donation arrives when demand is surging
High Plains Food Bank Executive Director Zack Wilson said the timing couldn’t be better.
“We’re just very grateful,” Wilson said. “There is no better time to receive a donation like this — not only because Thanksgiving is around the corner, but because we’re coming off a 43-day government shutdown and delayed SNAP benefits. A lot of people are just now getting their food assistance back.”
With Thanksgiving just days away, Wilson said many families are trying to stretch their food budgets further than usual.
The food bank’s senior food box line has increased about 35% in the past two weeks, Wilson said, and food is moving out of the warehouse much faster than normal.
“If these turkeys are still here by the end of the week, I’ll be surprised,” said Wilson. “If anything, it shows the need that’s still out there.”
Stacks of donated frozen turkeys fill the High Plains Food Bank warehouse in Amarillo on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, after Pantex employees contributed more than 640 unclaimed holiday turkeys to support families facing food insecurity ahead of Thanksgiving.
A tradition of giving — and one they plan to continue
Pantex is a longtime supporter of the High Plains Food Bank and will once again serve as a lead sponsor for the annual “Together We Can” Food Drive, which begins the first week of December.
“This will definitely be something we continue every year,” Bailey said. “What we saw from our employees speaks volumes about who they are and how much they care about the Panhandle.”
Wilson said the donation may inspire others as holiday giving ramps up.
“When one group steps up, others often follow,” he said. “It doesn’t take one massive donation — it takes a lot of people giving what they can. That adds up quickly — 642 turkeys prove that.”
How to help High Plains Food Bank
Wilson said even small donations make a measurable difference.
“It doesn’t take a huge donation — a lot of people giving what they can adds up fast.”
According to HPFB’s website, donations help provide meals for today and hope for tomorrow for neighbors facing food insecurity. Every $1 donated provides nine meals to families in the Texas Panhandle.
Donations can be made online at hpfb.org or by contacting the High Plains Food Bank at 806-374-8562.
This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Pantex employees donate hundreds of turkeys to High Plains Food Bank
