Turkey Shoot

Bring Your A-Game (and Your Canned Goods) to Our Turkey Hoop Shoot

The holiday season is about family, fun, and giving back—and that’s exactly what we’re aiming for with our First Annual Turkey Hoop Shoot, happening Monday, November 25 at 6:30 PM at the John D. Rita Recreation Center.

This is a brand-new event, and we couldn’t be more excited to kick off a tradition that combines the thrill of competition with the warmth of community giving. Here’s how it works: teams of two—a parent or guardian and a child ages 8–13—go head-to-head in a free-throw contest. We’re keeping it lighthearted and fun, with plenty of cheers and maybe a few buzzer-beaters.

What makes this event even more meaningful is the entry fee—or lack thereof. Instead of paying with dollars, we’re asking participants to bring non-perishable food items, which we’ll collect and donate to support families in need across Blue Island. It’s a great opportunity to teach kids about giving back while spending quality time together.

And yes, we’ve got big prizes: our 1st and 2nd place winners will take home turkeys and fresh pies, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Whether you’ve got a budding baller in the house or just want to shoot around and do some good, I encourage you to join us. Let’s come together, get active, and show what our Blue Island community is all about.

See you on the court!

—Ted Ruthenberg
Executive Director, Blue Island Park District