Annual turkey drive aims to feed families

More than 1,400 families visit Moses Lake Food Bank each month

MOSES LAKE — Samaritan Healthcare is asking for the community's help in making sure every family in Moses Lake and Warden gets a turkey this Thanksgiving.

The hospital is hosting its sixth annual Turkey & Canned Food Drive Friday and Saturday to benefit the Moses Lake Food Bank. Turkeys can be dropped off at designated locations in front of Safeway and Food Pavilion from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In 2005, 335 turkeys were donated to the food bank, along with 3,000 pounds of food and $1,166 in cash. Samaritan's goal this year is to collect 500 turkeys.

"This is an idea that really works well for us," said Samaritan Healthcare Community Development Coordinator Dave Campbell. "It's a great way for Samaritan to give back to our community that supports our organization."

Many Samaritan employees work more than one shift at the drive because they believe in the cause, Campbell said.

The project is sponsored by the Columbia Basin Herald, KDRM/KBSN Radio, Safeway, Food Pavilion and Signs Now.

Food bank Assistant Executive Director Peny Archer said the food bank serves more than 1,400 families each month. Forty-two percent of the food bank's clients are children, and 18 percent are seniors, Archer said.

Because of winter, power bills are going up, Archer said. In addition, people are warming their cars up in the morning, which requires them to use more energy. Farmers are being laid off so families are working less hours. All of the factors translate to increased visits to the food bank this time of year.

"We're the safety net that catches them before they hit disaster," Archer said.

Families are going to pick up their turkeys the three days before Thanksgiving. Some families who previously received turkeys donate turkeys to the food bank later on. She said the food bank understands every family is facing issues and problems, but it is inviting those who have the ability to donate to do so.

"If you've got a little extra, now's the time to give," she said.