Thanksgiving is less than a week away and charity organizations still need about 300 turkeys to feed Gilroy's growing number of needy families.Last year, St. Joseph's Family Center handed out 500 holiday boxes, containing a turkey and all the fixings, said Vicki Martin, food distribution coordinator. This year, 650 families are already signed up to receive a box on Monday and Tuesday. In the last two months, St. Joseph's has expanded its services to 250 more families, Martin said.
If a family isn't signed up ahead of time, the center will try to do the best it can to provide them with a box, she said.
"The need is higher than it has ever been in history," she said. "Families are barely able to take care of themselves. It's hard to think outside their own family's needs."
With fewer donations than usual, Martin said it's uncommon to be this close to Thanksgiving and still need 100 more turkeys and about 50 more hams. The center also needs donations of canned or fresh yams and, as always, cash donations, Martin said.
"We still need a little bit of everything," said Bob Filice, who will take over for his father, Val Filice, and Joe Peralta, who used to run the kitchen during St. Joseph's Thanksgiving dinner. Both men passed away this past year. Filice said he expects to cook for about 300 people this Thanksgiving and that he's looking forward to the challenge.
The Salvation Army is also down about 200 turkeys and needs donations of macaroni and cheese, yams, stuffing and mashed potatoes, said Captain Robert Viquez.
"It's sad," he said. "Families who were donating before are now coming to the Salvation Army for services."
He expects to hand out about 500 holiday food boxes Tuesday to families who have signed up but has faith that the community will come through with donations.
"God is always in control," he said. "And the community always pulls together."
St. Joseph's welcomes anyone to its traditional Lord's Table Thanksgiving meal 12 p.m. Thursday, in the Saint Mary School gymnasium. The Salvation Army will also host a meal for the needy 12 p.m. Wednesday, at 200 Fifth Street.
HOLIDAY NEEDSSalvation Army:
-200 turkeys
-Macaroni and cheese
-Yams
-Stuffing
-Mashed potatoes
-Cash donations
Drop off at 200 Fifth St.
St. Joseph's Family Center:
-100 turkeys
-50 hams
-Cash donations
Drop off at 7950 Church St.
