USG Volunteers Support River Rouge School District Turkey Giveaway

RIVER ROUGE — The River Rouge School District held its 2025 "Thanks For Giving" turkey giveaway at River Rouge High School on Monday, November 24, 2025.

A long line of cars wrapped well beyond the high school grounds when the event kicked off early that morning. Local residents drove up or walked up to the event and received a free turkey and full Thanksgiving meal. In total, 3,000 meals were shared with the community during the annual event.

Residents received a turkey, stuffing, canned vegetables and more. The event also featured winter clothing giveaways, to help keep River Rouge residents warm throughout the season. Entertainment was provided by a DJ.

The event was supported by volunteers from local businesses. One of those volunteer teams was from USG, alongside DQS and other supporters. USG, which operates a plant in River Rouge and has been in the community for over a century, had a team of volunteers on site handing out turkeys to residents.

Now it is 11th year, the River Rouge turkey giveaway has provided nearly 25,000 holiday dinners to families in need since the event’s inception. And event volunteers over the years have included high-profile guests including Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, rapper Big Sean, pro athletes Calvin Johnson and Derrick Coleman, and former Detroit Mayor Dave Bing.

USG River Rouge Plant Manager Sarah Messa and several of her team members were on site on Nov. 24 to hand out turkeys. In addition to Messa, other USG volunteers included: Tony Torres, supply chain manager; Rich Holverstott. production manager; and Quentin Rodriguez, project engineer.

“USG was honored to be back at River Rouge High School for this wonderful event for the second straight year,” Messa said. “Giving back to the River Rouge community, especially during the holiday season, is especially meaningful to us at USG. It took hundreds of people to make this event happen, and we’re thrilled to do our small part in making it a success.”

Breakfast and hot beverages were provided onsite for volunteers, which included many River Rouge High School students in addition to the corporate and nonprofit sponsors.

Among local leaders attending the event and supporting the sharing of the meals were River Rouge Mayor William Campbell, and River Rouge School District leaders. The River Rouge school district has more than 3,000 students.