South Bay charities in need of Thanksgiving turkeys

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU) - Several Bay Area community groups say they are still in need of hundreds of turkeys to help families in need this Thanksgiving. Food banks are struggling to keep up with the increase in need.

It’s the first time Maria Jimenez is receiving free food to prepare a Thanksgiving meal. Her husband and two daughters live in a one bedroom and his paycheck in construction doesn’t go far.

“It’s very helpful because the Thanksgiving dinner is a little money I can save for my daughters and pay bills or rent,” says Maria Jimenez, a San Jose resident.

4,200 families signed up to receive a free holiday food box at Sacred Heard Community Service in San Jose.

There are plenty of fixings for sides, like potatoes and beans and vegetables, but the problem is there is not enough turkeys to hand out. The charity needs hundreds of more birds throughout the morning.

People answered the call, like this woman who dropped off 54 turkeys.

“It makes me feel good because we’re helping other people in need,” says Richard Phaetietro.

Second Harvest Food Bank is also hoping people step up to help. It is providing food to more than 300 non-profits during the holidays. They’re also short on turkeys and cash donations. 

“Anything that the public can give is really appreciated. We can actually do a lot with that money. For every dollar that is donated, we can provide two meals to the community,”

Nonprofit workers say the wage gap between low income and those with high-paying jobs continues to grow.
When you add in the rent, the holidays can be stressful. A lot of that melted away because of the generosity of strangers.

Sacred Heart is also passing out holiday food boxes Tuesday and Wednesday and they could use more help.
If you would like to donate to Sacred Heard or to Second Harvest Food Bank, go here for more information.
 

In San Francisco, St. Anthony's also needs your help.