The improving economy means food banks in Manteca, Ripon, and Lathrop are being asked for less help this year for families at Thanksgiving,
Even so, there is still a need for 1,700 turkeys — 150 less than last year — with 21 days left before they need to be distributed to 24 food closets serving the three communities.
As of Monday the 20th annual Turkeys R Us drive had only one turkey donated.
“We need 1,700 turkeys and quick,” noted LeAnn McNabb of Beacon Realty who is among community volunteers spearheading the effort.
The turkeys — or cash to buy them — are needed by Nov. 20 to make sure fixings for the traditional meals can make their way to families in need by Thanksgiving.
The first turkey was dropped off my a Manteca resident last week. Food bank workers said the gentlemen  always make it a point to do so every year when Nov.1 nears.
Second Harvest spokesperson Jessica Vaughn said the majority asking for help this Thanksgiving are the working poor, retired people on fixed income who are seeing health care costs and other expenses eat up their pensions, and people caught in unexpected emergencies such as losing their home in a fire or major medical costs not covered by insurance.
The request for help from such households that often don’t ask food closets for help goes up during the holidays due to increased heating costs and other expense plus the fact job jobs that involve seasonal work tied into construction and agriculture slow down just as Thanksgiving hits.
Frozen turkeys can be dropped off at Second Harvest Food bank 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 or Beacon Realty 211 E. Center St., Manteca.
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