Nov 1, 2016 4 min read

Washington County individuals, businesses and organizations are stepping forward to make sure Washington County families in need can enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner.

Among them is Jackson’s Restaurant and Bar in Southpointe.

From Nov. 1 through Nov. 15, Jackson’s is donating a percentage of every guest check to the Greater Washington County Food Bank for the 2000 Turkeys campaign.

“We’re happy to do something to help the community,” said Ron Sopko, executive manager at Jackson’s, noting that one of the restaurant’s dishwashers suggested a 2000 Turkeys fundraiser and the restaurant management and employees were excited to participate.

On Nov. 18, Range Resources employee volunteers will hit the streets for the second year in a row to accept donations of cash, checks or food to benefit 2000 Turkeys and the food bank. Last year, the company, its employees and business partners made the single largest contribution in 2000 Turkeys history.

One of the county’s longest-standing food drives, 2000 Turkeys began in 1983 as a seasonal food campaign to help the unemployed. It has grown into an annual tradition for individuals, companies, schools and organizations looking to help families in need throughout Washington County celebrate the holiday.

Every $15 raised provides a Thanksgiving dinner for a family of four.

It is the largest single fund raiser on behalf of the Food Bank and its neighboring pantries.

To date, thanks to the generosity of the Washington County community, the 2016 campaign has raised $15,581 for the approximately 25,000 food-insecure Washington residents – including senior citizens and children – who are served each month by the Food Bank. The campaign is working to raise $100,000 over then next few weeks to make sure that no family goes without a Thanksgiving meal.

If you would like to donate to the 2000 Turkeys campaign, please send checks, payable to “2000 Turkeys,” to 2000 Turkeys, P.O. Box 2000, Washington, PA 15301, or drop off a check at the front desk of the Observer-Reporter or WJPA Radio, co-sponsors of the campaign.

And, if you have photos from a 2000 Turkeys fundraiser event you are doing as an individual, organization or business, please send to Instagram at #Washington2000turkeys.

Thank you to the following for their generous donations:

Fortunata & Joel Compeggie $20

Sandy & Denny Phillips $100

John & Virginia Ullom $25

Margie & Art Sullivan $100

Patricia Huffman $20

In Loving Memory of Robert L. Hott & Tierne Kopko from Lee Hott $25

Mr. & Mrs..Michael T. Vereb $20

Suzanne Wilhelm $50

Alycia Ghrist $25

Patricia & Albert Nagy $50

In Memory of Harold A. Koehler by the Koehler’s $25

Allan Junker $100

Dorothy Dillemuth $100

Emilie Poplarchik $25

Frank & Darlene Tragone $20

Robert & Elizabeth Yowan $20

Gary & Amy Bostich $50

Margaret Rankin $25

Nancy & William Merkle $25

Timothy & Terri Laird $100

Judith Merzi $100

In loving memory of wife, Mary R. Post and sister, Mary E Post Borsake, from Sam Post & Sons $100

Ruth & Edward Nagy $30

Maureen Andrews $20

William & Carol Boardley $50

In loving memory of my husband Willard Hudak Sr. from his wife Frances $50

George & Deborah Augustine $40

Saundra & Richard White $35

James Crockett Sr. & Family $25

John & Lauretta Darby $50

James & Vanessa Beatty $20

Anonymous $40

In memory of our grandparents by Patricia Kelley $60

Ron & Pennie Foil $20

Washington Lions Club $500

In memory of Jeremy Spina by Frank & Mary Jo Spina $100

Caroline Ashbrook $25

Dorothy Plants $50

Theresa Shape $25

Lagonda Homemakers $50

Mark & Sandra Bonanni $20

Patricia Soulakis $20

Ro & Russ Orenchuk $40

In memory of Bill Burns by family $20

Betty Smith $60

Mark & Joyce Knestrick $30

TOPS Pa. 1681 $25

Catherine Gennocro $25

David & Sandra Thomas $30

Darlene & Robert Caldwell $100

Mary Jane Kolesar $50

Patricia & Thomas Manko $30

Dominick & Donna Trimarki $50

Twila Cain $25

Mary Gafric $50

Bertha Strimmell Circle, W. Wash. United Methodist Church $25

Audrey Bunner $50

William & Linda Wolfe $25

Joann & Norman Nadalin $50

Betty Lue Gordon $50

Anonymous $70