Sycuan’s Annual Turkey Giveaway

The Sycuan Tribe, San Diego FC, and National School District Donate 1,000 to Families

Sycuan Partners with San Diego FC and National School District for Turkey Giveaway Drive-Thru Event

Families are lined up in their cars, filling the parking lot, and smiling as they receive a holiday gift from the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, San Diego FC, and National School District. Together, they made Thanksgiving possible for hundreds of families in the South Bay region.

The 2025 Sycuan Turkey Giveaway Event

The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, San Diego FC, and the National School District team up to host a drive-thru turkey giveaway in November. The event was held at the Best Western Plus Marina Gateway Hotel, where pre-selected families lined up to receive one of 1,000 turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving.

Families with children enrolled in one of the ten National School Districts, Integrity Charter, National City Middle School, and Granger Junior High School received vouchers for the event. Many arrived as early as 8 a.m., ready to take a turkey home for Thanksgiving, along with a complimentary San Diego FC bag.

Leaders from the Sycuan Tribal Council, San Diego FC, and the National School District also joined the event, spreading holiday joy as they handed out turkeys. “Sycuan’s continued commitment to NSD students and families makes a real and beautiful difference,” Michelle Gates, Board President of the National School District, said. Together, they helped hundreds of families celebrate Thanksgiving by providing the main dish on the holiday table.

Conclusion

The 2025 Turkey Giveaway was more than a distribution; it was a celebration of community. By partnering with San Diego FC and the National School District, the Sycuan Tribe ensured that hundreds of families could gather around a Thanksgiving table with a turkey, showcasing the true spirit of giving back.

ABOUT SYCUAN BAND OF THE KUMEYAAY NATION

Members of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation have resided in and around the foothills of the Dehesa Valley for more than 12,000 years. Today they are a modern government providing public services to their members, employees, and neighbors. The Sycuan Tribal Government operates one of the region’s premier Indian gaming and resort facilities, Sycuan Casino Resort. The Sycuan Tribe demonstrates its strong commitment to the San Diego region through the support of hundreds of civic and charitable organizations.

The Tribe also seeks to reinvest back into the San Diego community with a progressive business development and diversification effort. The tribe is a major investor in and owner of the 30^th Major League Soccer (MLS) team that was awarded to the city of San Diego in 2023, becoming the first native American tribe to be part-owner of any men’s major league sports club. They purchased the former Singing Hills Country Club and the historic U.S. Grant Hotel; developed the Marina Gateway Hotel and Conference Center in National City; and constructed and operates the Sycuan Market and convenience store. Combined, these enterprises now employ nearly 3,500 San Diegans. For more information on Sycuan visit www.sycuantribe.com.