FORT MYERS, Fla. - TelAve -- This year marks the 17th anniversary of the Pendas Law Firm's annual Turkey Giveaway, a tradition that has delivered holiday meals to more than 250,000 Floridians since its inception. What began as a single act of kindness has grown into one of the firm's most impactful community initiatives.

The story behind the giveaway dates back to 2008, when a client confided that he couldn't afford a turkey for his family's Thanksgiving dinner. Unable to provide cash assistance, attorney Lou Pendas personally purchased a turkey for him. That simple gesture sparked an idea: What if we could provide 1,000 turkeys to 1,000 families in need?

From that question, a statewide tradition was born.

Today, the Pendas Law Firm hosts annual turkey giveaways in Orlando, Tampa, Fort Myers, and Miami, ensuring families across Florida can enjoy a warm Thanksgiving meal, regardless of financial hardship.

"This event has been a tremendous blessing," said Lou Pendas. "We are grateful to be in a position to give back to the communities that have supported us throughout the years. Providing these meals is our way of saying thank you, and it's an honor to continue this tradition."

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Through our expanded Community Partnership with Aetna in SWFL, this year's event will highlight the power of collaboration across our region. Aetna's recent donation to Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida helped establish a mutually beneficial partnership rooted in service, access, and community support. Because of Aetna's deep ties across Southwest Florida, both Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida and Millennium Physician Group will join us this year to share resources, free services, and vital information that help families thrive well beyond the holidays.

The Pendas Law Firm Annual Turkey Giveaway will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 4244 Evans Ave suite a, Fort Myers, FL 33901.

About Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida

Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and disadvantages. Through four core focus areas—employment training and upskilling, small business development, disability services, and affordable housing—Goodwill impacts more than 25,000 lives annually. Its retail operations not only divert reusable goods from landfills but also provide employment, benefits, and training to over 1,100 team members across Southwest Florida. Learn more at https://goodwillswfl.org/.