An annual golf tournament with the family and friends of Dan Ericson has become a charitable Thanksgiving tournament.

Ericson, a teacher at Klahowya Secondary School, said about six years ago the golf tournament became a turkey tournament to provide food for families in need in the Central Kitsap School District.

The annual golf tournament is at the Rolling Hills Golf Course and each year for the past six the food donations have grown dramatically.

“This started with friends and family as a Halloween (golf) tournament” Ericson said. “About six years ago I decided to make it something more meaningful and help our community. The first year it was turkeys and meals for about 25. This year will be more than 100.”

Ericson’s wife, Amanda, who is a teacher at PineCrest Elementary School said, “It is the best feeling to give back to our community.”

Along with friends and family of the Ericson’s, many staff members from the Central Kitsap School District joined in the giving.

Ericson also said many businesses and organizations in the community donated including, Rolling Hills Golf Course, Ralph’s Red Apple Market, Kingston IGA, Alive Covenant Church and Watson Furniture.