2000 Turkeys rolls out online option for donations
Donations have started to pour in as the 2000 Turkeys campaign gains momentum in the effort to provide a Thanksgiving meal for those in need in Washington County.
For more than 40 years, members of the community, businesses and organizations have helped their neighbors through 2000 Turkeys.
A driving force since the beginning, WJPA Radio opens the airwaves on Thursday mornings to talk about the need, accept donations and read donation letters on the air.
“We’re ready for your donations. We’re here to help if you’re interested in finding a way to help us,” said Jacob Knizner, promotions director for the station and board member for 2000 Turkeys.
The 2000 Turkeys board members and guests gather Thursday mornings at the station to read the many letters and cards. “We value every single one of those. We read every single one,” said Laural Ziemba, senior director-public affairs for Range Resources and board member.
Zeffy, a new option for making donations, was announced Thursday on air.
“It’s a donation platform that takes no percentage of the money that is donated. It all goes directly to the organizations,” Knizner said.
“I think the online giving is a major upgrade this year,” said Ziemba. It’s going to make it much more convenient for those donors who maybe don’t want to write a check, or that’s just not the way they transact business anymore.”
Said Knizer, “I’m probably one of the few late 20-year-olds that knows how to write a check. So many people have turned to online, digital banking.”
With fewer people writing checks and using cash, “this is a way for younger people to get involved with 2000 Turkeys,” said Knizner.
“This is going to make support for the campaign a lot easier and a lot more accessible to the community,” Ziemba said.
No matter what donation method, the need is extensive.
While the Pennsylvania Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits rose slightly last week by an average of $18 for recipients, many families still struggle to make ends meet.
And food insecurity exists despite these programs.
“Even in Washington County, you have people who are working but don’t qualify for any of the federal and state programs. The high cost of food that has gone up some 30% in the past several years and the high cost of energy, heating and air conditioning. All of those combined is creating a scenario where families just making ends meet cannot afford to buy food,” said George Omiros, president and CEO of the Greater Washington County Food Bank/Food Helpers.
“We really appreciate all of the efforts of the (2000 Turkeys) committee and most importantly the philanthropic support that comes from the companies and individuals throughout Washington County that support the 2000 Turkeys campaign,” said Omiros.
The food bank supports 10 food pantries in Washington County, 18 senior high-rise apartment buildings and provides for seven community distribution sites as well as the Pennsylvania Senior Box program.
Donations will help the Greater Washington County Food Bank/Food Helpers and City Mission Boxes of Love to provide Thanksgiving dinners to Washington County families in need.
To make a donation, checks can be addressed to 2000 Turkeys, P.O. Box 2000, Washington, PA, 15301, or use the QR code to donate via Zeffy.
Thank you to the following for their generous contributions:
Knights of Columbus, Washington Council 1083 – $200
Tim & Teri Dunlap – $5,000
Norman & Patricia Fraley in Memory of Dennis Mink USMC – $50
Gist Wylie & Linda Hepburn – $50
Frank & Joanne Mazzotta – $50
The Key Family – $100
James & Sandra Craig – $50
Robert & Donna Connolly – $150
Jackie & Kristen Weiss – $200
James Faber – $40
Joseph & Kathleen Progar – $40
Jacqueline Liberatore in Memory of Don Liberator – $50
Louis & Ruth Vore – $200
Dennis & Roberta Glass – $100
Marianne Povich in Memory of Anna Getto – $50
Brenda Bomblatus – $100
Tom & Lori Zawatski in Memory of Audra King Young – $50
Suzanne McCord – $100
Pamela Ross – $100
David Richards – $50
Charlotte Richards – $100
Trudy Kosey – $50
David & Kathy Curdie – $50
James & Marsha Knapik – $100
Roy & Marie Larimer – $25
Carol Barnes – $100
Robert Hohn – $100
Albert Devenney Jr. – $50
Virginia Hollowood – $100
Patricia Valles – $25
Jamie Torboli – $100
Arthur & Janet Innamorato – $250
Blue Ride & Washington Lodge No. 164 F&AM – $2,000
Faith United Presbyterian Church – $1,000