Non-Profit Seeking Turkeys Needed For South Bay Families
SAN JOSE (CBS SF) -- A San Jose-based nonprofit organization still needs turkeys to provide complete Thanksgiving meals for low-income families in Santa Clara County.
Sacred Heart Community Service has started handing out 4,200 food boxes for the annual holiday Monday and will continue through Wednesday, but is short 1,200 to 1,500 turkeys, nonprofit spokeswoman Morgan Wordes said.
In past years, the nonprofit has been able to provide enough turkeys through last-minute donations that arrived in the last two days of the distribution, she said.
If the organization is unable to meet its goal through contributions, they will have to purchase the turkeys through their budget and figure out a way to replenish the lost funds, Wordes said.
It has been "inspiring" to see the number of people drop off turkeys in the past few days, including a family that brought 20 turkeys on Sunday, Wordes said.
People can also donate chickens or ham as an alternative to turkeys, she said.
The nonprofit is also seeking donations of canned goods after a pallet of about 100 boxes fell down at their warehouse over the weekend, Wordes said.
A "good chunk" of cans were either dented or broken and can't be given away, according to Wordes.
The boxes come with other items such as rice, beans, pasta, potatoes, fresh produce and bread that can provide a family with meals for a few days, she said.
The boxes assist people going through financial hardships, including those who have suddenly lost their jobs and don't have any savings, according to Wordes.
Many others are struggling to make rent with the rising cost of housing, Wordes said.
"The holidays are a special time when so many people are feeling blessed and wanting to give back. At the same time some people can't enjoy the celebration because they can't make ends meet," Wordes said.
Anyone who would like to make a donation can bring it in person to Sacred Heart's office at South First Street and West Alma Avenue or make a monetary contribution on their website at http://sacredheartcs.org/holidays.
