Neighbors United — a group of community activists primarily from the area south of Manteca — has stepped up to purchase 100 turkeys to make sure struggling families in Manteca, Ripon, and Lathrop don’t go without traditional meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas

The $1,200 Neighbors United check was part of $1,488 the Turkeys R Us Drive collected on Monday. That was in addition to 24 frozen turkeys.

Some 950 families are relying on 12 food banks serving the three communities for holiday dinners. So far donations will cover 1,093 turkeys. That leaves the 17th annual drive short 807 turkeys. Turkeys R Us is able to buy frozen turkeys for $12 each.

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.

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 .