A Gainesville church wants to help put a turkey on every table this Thanksgiving.
Donations are low this holiday season, but Trinity United Methodist Church will still distribute about 1,300 Thanksgiving baskets full of holiday foods, such as stuffing, mashed potatoes and a turkey for every family.
The goal might not be met, though.
Food banks in the area have received fewer donations than before, and needy families may have to rely on smaller organizations.
Turkey donations are the lowest in a decade for the Bread of the Mighty Food Bank, 325 NW 10th Ave., and donations in general were lower than last year, Director Anne Voyles said. Some people are content just to take a stocking of gifts at Christmas, but on Thanksgiving they’re hoping for meals.
Despite the high demand and low donations, the food bank give everyone food, just not necessarily the iconic Thanksgiving meal, she said. The food bank can give families dinners of chicken, but it needs more donations of stuffing and cranberry sauce.
“There will be meat,” she said. “But they might not have a turkey.”
Distribution of food boxes from Trinity United Methodist Church will begin Sunday and will end Tuesday. About 500 volunteers, church members and Gainesville residents helped pack the boxes.
Horne said there is an outpouring of appreciation from recipients. They often thank her profusely and then call the church later to thank her again and send cards.
“It’s overwhelming,” she said.
She said she hopes the donations will show compassion for people who might not often feel that comfort.
“The community does care about them.”
Voyles said that people feel ashamed when they can’t afford a nice meal but their neighbors can — it can damage self-esteem.
“If that’s where you are, it’s hurtful,” she said.
She encourages members of the community to donate items that are buy one, get one free. She also said she wishes more people would donate fresh fruit and vegetables.
“Most of these kids have never tasted a pear,” she said.
She said Thanksgiving donations should be given by Monday, but any donations received after will go toward the Christmas season.
“It’s still a very needy time,” she said.
