Night before Thanksgiving: a scurry to search and enjoy

SAN JOSE, Calif. (Jesse Gary/KTVU) - With Thanksgiving hours away, many Bay Area residents are scrambling to get last minute items for the holiday. In Zanotto's Willow Glen supermarket, it's a mad dash to search and enjoy, grabbing the last goodies for Thanksgiving dinner.

"I have till tomorrow, like five o'clock, so I'm good. My house is clean, I just have to do the turkey," said San Jose resident Carol Tousley 

The big draw at Zanotto's is the big bird in a bag – a very big bird for some people.

"We went kind of crazy on the turkey, it’s 24-pounds," said Chessa Strangis, who drove from Morgan Hill to pick up her family's turkey.

No need to be shy about size, as all types and shapes of turkey's are prepped and ready for the oven.

"We’re seasoning the turkeys for the families, so all they gotta (do is) come, pick the turkey up and put it in the over," said Zanotto's store manager Jesus Beltran.

The trip from market to kitchen may be daunting, as Triple-A officials say 5.3 million Californians are hitting the road for the holiday. Some travelers aren't visiting family, but checking on those in need.

"My mom died last year and I became homeless," said a woman identifying herself as Momma G. She is homeless and lives in downtown San Jose.

Under the 87-Freeway in Downtown San Jose, Sergeant Ben Torres and officer Frank Orabuena are doing community outreach.

"Building a relationship with these people, later on, when we do deal with them, it's kind of easier, talking to them person-to-person, rather than them thinking, 'oh here the police come,'" said officer Frank Orabuena.

Backpacks with needed items such as socks and flashlights help combine the season of giving with the day of giving thanks.

"I think it's wonderful. I think they should do it more often," said Mamma G. 
The man at the helm at San Jose City Hall promises more help for the homeless, and is thankful for his own blessings.

"I'm thankful that my wife still puts up with me after three years now of being in office," said San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.

Speaking of wives, at Zanotto's we learned there's a secret ingredient used prior to the harried action to get Thursday's meal on the table.

"I'll have a little glass of wine. That'll help," said Carol Tousley as she headed home with her turkey.
Thanksgiving begins with the KTVU Morning News, and then Mornings on 2, followed by NFL football at 9:30am. The Minnesota Vikings travel to Detroit to play the Lions.