Albany social media influencer will host turkey, coat giveaway

ALBANY – Gabriel Ornelas may have risen to internet stardom, but he never forgets about his local community.

Ornelas goes by the name “Gabe Lincoln Fr” on TikTok, Facebook and Instagram, where he’s amassed more than a half-million followers. 

He’s teaming up with 4 Kids SWGA, a nonprofit serving youths in need, to host the second Gabe’s Giving Turkey Giveaway and a community coat, food and household goods drive. The event will take place Saturday from noon until supplies last in the parking lot of Wellness Infusion at 2622 Dawson Road.

“It’s going to be an event where families who are going through financial struggles right now can come and just feel loved and not have to worry,” Ornelas said. “The turkey is the main thing at Thanksgiving dinner, and I want to make sure everybody at least has that main dish.” 

The 26-year-old Newton native’s social media career took off after he posted a review of a concert at the Albany Civic Center in 2015.

“It went viral. People were caught off guard by the way I reacted to it,” Ornelas said. “I was being serious, but they were laughing. After that, I was posting constant videos.” 

The content creator began posting videos on lifestyle, shopping, fashion and restaurant reviews. He eats at local Albany restaurants and posts about the food. He said he’s never done a negative review in Albany, but one of his favorite spots is the Wingbox and Seafood. 

“The business owners will … tell me, ‘Hey, after your review, so many people came in, and they wanted exactly what you ordered,’ or they mentioned my name,” Ornelas said. “It makes an impact. It draws attention to their business.” 

His videos have led to big opportunities. Ornelas started a farm a few years ago and was featured on Lifetime TV. Just two months ago, he was on the MTV show “Caught in the Act.” By 2020, Ornelas’ videos were making enough money to allow him to work full-time as a social media content creator.

“This is my job, and it pays enough for me to live and also for me to give back,” he said. “So during the COVID-19 pandemic, I would buy groceries and take groceries to different people’s houses.” 

Since 2020, Ornelas has helped host turkey trots, back-to-school giveaways and holiday drives. When he goes into a restaurant to buy food for a review, he’ll often pay for the meals of the next 30 customers who come in line. 

“Growing up, my mom was a single mother,” he said. “It was a financial burden on her to take care of me and my three siblings. So I know how it feels to be in a financial bind. I don’t want anybody to ever experience what I felt. When I do the things I do, it’s to provide some kind of sense of relief to families.” 

During his first Gabe’s Giving in 2024, Ornelas gave out 350 turkeys to Atlanta families. On Saturday, he hopes to reach that goal again, but this time in his local community.

“Of course, there’s an overwhelming amount of people in Atlanta, but … it’s only fair and only right that I do it in my community … the same people that truly support me,” he said. 

Free turkeys, ice cream, new and gently used children’s coats and other products will be available for any family in need. Ornelas said anyone is welcome to come, but a person must be present for each turkey – individuals can’t take more than one. 

He said he hopes Gabe’s Giving can grow each year.

“As the years go by, I want to be able to do not just a turkey, but the whole meal,” Ornelas said. “That’s my goal, and each year I’m getting better and bigger with it.”