2000 Turkeys reaches midway point; demand is great
Thanksgiving is less than four weeks away, and the 2000 Turkeys campaign is working to make sure every family in Washington County can enjoy a holiday meal with their loved ones.
The campaign comes as families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) wonder if, or when, it will continue during the government shutdown. SNAP benefits, which help families buy groceries each month, were set to run out on Nov. 1. On Friday, two federal judges ordered government officials to use contingency funds to continue the benefits; however, the rulings are likely to be appealed.
SNAP benefits provide help to 42 million Americans, including 2 million Pennsylvanians and 13.7% of Washington County residents.
The 2000 Turkeys campaign, ongoing for more than four decades, is dedicated to helping county families enjoy a holiday meal with their loved ones.
Donations to 2000 Turkeys enable Food Helpers, Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, and City Mission Boxes of Love, to provide Thanksgiving dinner to more than 18,000 people in the county, including children and senior citizens.
This year, United Way of Washington County is joining forces with 2000 Turkeys. United Way will join Range Resources during the company’s annual 2000 Turkeys food drive on Wednesday, Nov. 19, to collect non-perishable food items for food pantries in Washington and Canonsburg.
United Way is concerned that pantry shelves are reaching critically low levels.
“Our United Way is here to help fill these food pantries that are a vital resource for folks who rely on SNAP to feed their families as well as those folks who are employed but still struggle to feed their families and must rely on food pantries to supplement food they put on the table,” said Ann Hrabik, executive director of United Way of Washington.
United Way will stage buses donated by GG&C Bus Company Inc. at pickup spots in Washington and Canonsburg, and then transport the food to pantries.
Pittsburgh Food Bank is experiencing rising demand and reduced resources. Earlier this year, the USDA cut $5 million in USDA Commodities and direct funding for the purchase of food from Pennsylvania farmers, manufacturers and growers.
“Now, we are heading into the holiday season, a time when the need for assistance peaks annually. In addition, Pennsylvania is the only state without an enacted state budget. The ongoing state budget impasse has halted critical funding that helps us purchase fresh produce, dairy and protein products for local distribution,” the food bank noted in a statement.
2000 Turkeys is a grassroots fundraiser that has been supported for 41 years by individuals, businesses, and organizations who step up, year after year, to lend their neighbors a helping hand.
“We have a pulse on the needs of the people and the agencies that we work with, and that need is great this year,” said 2000 Turkeys board member and Canonsburg Mayor Dave Rhome. “This Thanksgiving, with help from corporations and, most importantly, Washington County residents, we will make sure that every family who needs a Thanksgiving dinner will have one. All of our donors believe we need to help each other, and we will.”
To make a donation to 2000 Turkeys, please write a check payable to 2000 Turkeys and mail it to 2000 Turkeys, P.O. Box 2000, Washington, Pa., 15301.
Thank you to the following for their generous donations:
Donald Tustin – $150
Emilie Poplarchik – $50
David & Janet Mazon – $600
Linda Baldigowski – $100
Eva Brown – $100
Beverly Clark – $200
Stackowicz Family – $100
Joseph Progar Jr. – $40
Ronald Luisi – $50
John & Mary Beth Morton – $100
National Slovak Society – $250
Linda Brytus – $100
Robert Cunningham in Memory of Bo & Scooter – $50
David Williams in Memory of Carolyn Williams – $200
Kristina Bogovich – $100
Earl & Jane Phillis – $100
In Memory of Ruth Salsberry – $200
Diane Smykal in Memory of Roy & Ross Gillespie also from their kids – $100
Diane White – $50
Danny & Deborah Lynn Trubiana – $50
Sandra Gorby – $50
The Koeppelles in Memory of Darla & Megan – $100
The Wong Family – $50
Theresa Bell – $50
Rebecca Papson – $25
Joyce Knestrick – $100
David Komlenic – $50
Joyce Matteson – $50
The Aleski Family – $25
Sharon Whitmer – $100
Elizabeth Venture – $25
Brice & Glenna Carter in Memory of Cana Carter – $100
Jim & Roberta McElhaney – $200
Dennis & Linda Sarchet – $50
Rose Tournay – $25
Mary White – $50
Agnes Belcher – $100
John Wager – $100
Dorothy Pinto & Sons in Honor of Perry Pinto – $25
Ro & Russ Orenchiuk – $100
Karen Reese – $50
Theresa Dhanse – $100
Theresa Shape – $30
Richard Brichetti – $100
David Baker – $50
Alice Oblock – $25
Dave & Charlotte Resek – $25
Carole Pankas – $100
Mary Gafric – $100
Rosemary Kosiorek – $100
Susan Bonus – $50
Denise Godwin-Hanna – $10
Carl Russell – $200
David & Darlene Stotka – $150
Josephine Mary Stotka in Memory of Michael J. Stotka – $50
Morris Harvey Sr. – $100
Ferne Rogers – $100
Robert Hohn – $100
Marianne Povich & Ronald Fisher – $50
Therese Moore in Memory of Washinski Family and Barry Moore – $100
Christie Campbell – $50
Bobbi Horn – $100
Susan Nickler – $75
Dick & Margaret White – $100
Patricia Wilson – $40
Paul & Nancy Krepps – $50
Kathy Morris in Memory of Frank Morris – $25
Phyllis Matheny – $50
Donna Holliday – $100
Willa Johnson – $15
Gary Uchal – $100
Tom & Lori Zawatski in Memory of Auara King Young – $60
Judith Krisovenski – $100
Kathy Curdie – $50
Roberta Mong – $100
Carol Mazzetti – $50
Delores Hritsko – $50
John & Penny Steggles – $50
Don & Marie Kunselman – $50
Bob & Dani Iams – $50
Tim & Mary Baker – $200
Sally Bissett – $100
Patricia Fratini – $25
Angie & Charles Walters – $50
Mary Seghi – $50
Marlene Webb – $50
Trudy Kosey – $50
Kenneth Shingle – $50
Joanna Caruso – $100
Sue Beels – $100
Beverly Reck – $100
Marie Taylor in Memory of Paul W. Taylor – $50
Cathy Shader – $100
Lisa Novak – $100
Heidi Pankopf – $50
Charles Bowers – $50
Pamela Maniecki $25
Roy & Marie Larimer – $25
W Ronald Stout – $35
Bernard Price – $100
Linda Paxton – $100
Patricia Maggi – $75
Lynn Randolph – $100
Donna Henderson – $50
Denise Quayle – $200
Edward Westcott – $50
Donna Smith – $125
Diane & Dustin Chenney – $25
Bob & Sandy Reck – $50