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In a week when many Americans eat to their heart's content, Utahns are coming together to help neighbors in need.
In recent weeks, we've showed you how many Utahns this year struggle to find basics like shelter and food, and how that need is growing.
People are stepping up to make sure everyone has food on the table this holiday season.
The Salt Lake City Mission and its volunteers give out turkeys with all the trimmings each Thanksgiving. This year the line is longer. They'll hand out more than 1,000 dinners.
Michele Dillman's family is struggling with income. She says, "It's hard. I'm still not working. I'm looking, I have a job interview tomorrow, so things are looking up. But it's hard."
Albertson's gave 500 turkeys. Director of Albertson's Operations John Meng says, "It's just sad because some of these families have five, six, seven kids; and they would go without a dinner without the cooperation of the groups."
"We've got a lot of work to do this holiday season," says Gov. Jon Huntsman. "I want to make sure we step up as a people and do it right."
In a year like this when the need is so great, the governor says the state will do whatever is needed to get the food to the people who need it. The Food Bank aims to bring in 1.5 million pounds of food and 24,000 turkeys by the end of the holidays.
Demand is up 30 percent. Utah Food Bank CEO Jim Pugh says, "These are families in Utah that are full-time wage earners, living paycheck to paycheck."
A lost job means trouble. Huntsman says, "We can find a relative or someone else in need and lift them up and give them a little bit of hope. This is a period when hope matters."
Last week, high operating costs forced Moroni Feed to lay off 400 workers and temporarily close its processing plant. Today, the company stepped up and gave 100 turkeys. CEO of Moroni Feed Company Kent Barton says, "We wanted to pause and share with others and think of those that are in need."
Contributions to the food bank have remained generous, but the need has outstripped the supplies this year.
The Salt Lake City Mission has two banquets planned:
EnergySolutions Arena
301 W. South Temple
Tuesday, Nov. 25
11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
More than 3,000 turkey dinners with all the trimmings are expected to be served. Clothing will also be distributed at this event. The Christian Life Center
1041 N. Redwood Rd.
Thanksgiving Day
8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Dinners with all the trimmings expected to be served. Clothing will be distributed at this event too. E-mail: jboal@ksl.com
E-mail: mgiauque@ksl.com
