Jeff Burkhardt was the kind of guy that would give you the shirt off his back.

It’s likely that Burkhardt — a Manteca city refuse worker who passed away several years ago — would be pleased that 100 turkeys are being purchased in his name for the 17th annual Turkeys R Us Drive.

Altogether community groups, businesses, and individuals donated $3,680 and 11 frozen turkeys on Wednesday. Turkeys R Us is able to buy frozen turkeys for $12 each.

That brings the turkey total to 860 with 1,900 needed to provide a traditional meal for 950 struggling families on both Thanksgiving and Christmas in Manteca, Ripon, and Lathrop.

A typical household receiving the turkey meals often have at least one person working. They are on the ropes financially either due to reduced hours, medical expenses, or have lost their jobs. A good number are on limited income either as seniors without adequate financial, resources and single mothers.

Events and dates where turkeys can be dropped off at are:

• Friday, Nov. 14: Bank of the West Manteca, Commerce Avenue, 3 to 6 p.m.

• Friday thru Sunday, Nov. 14-16: Stuff the Bus with Regional Transit District at the Food 4 Less in Manteca (Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• Saturday, Nov. 15:  Stuff the Fire Truck at Safeway in Manteca 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Sunday, Nov. 16: Northgate Little League at the snack shack on Hoyt Avenue 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Frozen turkeys can be taken to Second Harvest at 704 E. Industrial Park Drive in  Manteca Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monetary donations can be made online at www.localfoodbank.org or dropped off or mailed to Second Harvest, Coldwell Banker 319 N. Main St. Manteca, or Beacon Realty 211 E. Center St. Manteca .

Sue Teunissen and Leann McNabb are chairing the drive. If you have questions contact the food bank at 239.2091 or contact McNabb at 815.6754.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com