The Salvation Army is asking Tucsonans to donate turkeys so it can feed an expected 2,000 folks who are in need or are lonely, organizers said.
“We are in desperate need of turkeys,” said Corey Leith, a spokesman for the organization. “As of right now we only have 40 turkeys to feed 2,000 people,” he said Monday, adding that the organization needs 300 turkeys.
“Tucson is a very giving community. We have faith the community will pull through again this year,” said Leith. “This meal is for everyone who is in need, or who is alone on this holiday.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Salvation Army Tucson Hospitality House, 1002 N. Main Ave. Foods needed are turkeys, canned green beans, instant box potatoes, butter, cooked assorted pies, yams, eggs, cranberry sauce, turkey stuffing, bread loaves, brown gravy and gallons of milk.
For more information about donations, call 520-795-9671 or see salvationarmytucson.org/thanksgiving-2017
If the charity has to buy turkeys it may have to use its reserve funds to buy them for its 33rd Annual Free Thanksgiving Dinner. That would have an impact on other programs, including buying back-to-school clothes for children and providing water for homeless during the summer.
Thursday’s dinner will be held at the organization’s hospitality house from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by Kids Unlimited, a song and dance ensemble.
Salvation Army has partnered with St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and Caridad Community Kitchen where the meals will be prepared.
More than 250 volunteers will help to prepare the meals, and over 600 meals will be delivered to homebound individuals.
In addition, the Gospel Rescue Mission will host its 29th Annual Thanksgiving Street Banquet on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of its Men’s Center at 312 W. 28th St.
The mission has the food it needs, including 200 turkeys, for the Thanksgiving meal, said spokesman Victor Hightower. He said 100 turkeys are still needed for its Christmas banquet set for Dec. 22 .
