Food bank receives almost 3,500 turkeys

With a donation of almost 3,500 turkeys, one local organization will help feed thousands this holiday season.

The Yuma Community Food Bank received 40,000 pounds of turkey roasts through the United States Department of Agriculture, The Department of Economic Security and the American Reinvestment Act.

That's 3,480 turkeys, and a lot of Yuma County residents who will have a hot meal this holiday season.

Ronna Sue Stubbs, CEO of the Yuma Community Food Bank said the timing couldn't have been better.

"The best thing for us is that they came at the right time," she said. "What a great opportunity to have those families stay in their homes and at least have the biggest part of a holiday meal."

In addition to giving to families in Yuma County, Stubbs said they're giving turkeys to local organizations who will help others have a holiday meal.

"We've already started to allocate turkeys for The Salvation Army and the Downtown Community Christmas Project and other organizations," Stubbs said.

Each turkey is between 10 pounds to 12 pounds, she said.

And the rest will be set aside for the week of Christmas, Stubbs said, which generally is a time of increased demand.

For families who are in the most need, and do not have another opportunity to receive assistance, Stubbs said they'll have 300 turkeys available starting Monday from 9 a.m. to noon. Then on Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The turkeys are available on a first come, first serve basis.

The Yuma Community Food Bank is located at 2404 E 24th St. #A in Yuma.

Residents who need assistance also have the option of purchasing a food box with the Harvest Club program, where people can receive between $35 to $40 worth of food for the cost of $25.

Stubbs said a turkey will be included in those boxes at no additional cost.

"We're just trying to think it through, our concern is we're going to run out and not help all the families," Stubbs said. "We're hoping that these 300 turkeys really help families that need it the most."

For more information about how you can donate to or volunteer with the food bank, call Courtney Spallina at (928) 343-1243 ext. 15.

Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.com or 539-6857.