Oct 6, 2015 2 min read

It’s hard to believe that less than eight weeks remain before Thanksgiving Day.

And, as is does every year, the 2000 Turkeys campaign has officially kicked off.

The goal of 2000 Turkeys remains the same: to put a turkey dinner on the table of the approximately 4,700 Washington County families being served each month by the Greater Washington County Food Bank.

Each $15 donation provides a family of four with a Thanksgiving meal that includes a turkey and all of the traditional fixings.

Nearly 50 percent of those who receive help from the food bank are children and senior citizens.

The 2000 Turkeys campaign is the largest fundraiser for the food bank.

Connie Burd, executive director of the food bank, said there is a dire need for 2000 Turkeys donations because of the state’s budget impasse.

“We’re really counting on 2000 Turkeys in order to get through the holiday season,” said Burd.

While the food bank planned in advance for the budget stalemate, now in its fourth month, Burd said the nonprofit was caught off guard by other revenue sources that have failed to come through.

“It’s very critical. So many people are hurting this year, and there’s a lot of need out there,” said Burd.

The 2000 Turkeys campaign, co-sponsored by the Observer-Reporter and WJPA Radio, has been around since the early 1980s to help feed the underemployed and unemployed during the holiday.

Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome, who serves on the 2000 Turkeys board, says that he’d like for there to be no need for 2000 Turkeys, but as long as people are hungry, the grassroots campaign will work hard to make sure those families get to enjoy a holiday dinner.

Washington County residents, businesses and organizations – who have been so generous over the years – have already started to make contributions. The donations, from penny wrappers to checks for thousands of dollars, are appreciated.

To make a donation, please send a check to 2000 Turkeys, P.O.Box 2000, Washington, Pa., 15301.