With the holiday season in full swing, blue donation barrels are popping up all over Turlock with the start of Turlock Together’s collection efforts for families in need.
“This is a community effort give the less fortunate in the area a Christmas where they have food and at least one toy for each child,” said coordinator Bob McCune.
A collaborative effort made up of ministries, non-profits, schools, service clubs, and community members, Turlock Together hopes to provide up to 2,000 families in the area with two boxes of food, one of which consists of non-perishable items and the other of which consists of perishable items.
Non-perishable items include flour, sugar, oil, peanut butter, corn, green beans, tomato sauce, canned fruit, tuna spaghetti, rice, spaghetti, rice, and pinto beans. Perishable items include chicken, cheese, milk, eggs, tortillas, bread, sweet potatoes, russet potatoes, and fresh fruit, if available.
In addition to the two boxes of food distributed to each eligible family, children under the age of 12 will receive a new, unwrapped toy just in time for the holidays.
Those interested in donating unwrapped toys and non-perishable items are encouraged to do so at select locations, including all Turlock Fire Stations, City Hall, and other churches and businesses that are participating.
Although McCune reported that Turlock Together already has approximately 120 volunteers lined up, he welcomes any additional members from the community who want to lend a helping hand.
“We probably have enough volunteers to do it, but I don’t want to exclude anybody,” said McCune. “This is a community effort, after all.”
To schedule a time to volunteer, call McCune at 209.678.5333 or Lissette Maunakea at 209.620.4910.
Low-income families who are interested in registering to receive a food basket and toys for the 2014 Christmas season are encouraged to sign up at the Salvation Army in Turlock. In order to be eligible, families must sign up before Dec. 12.
Distribution of food and toys will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dec. 20 at Turlock Fruit Company.
