Samaritan Center seeks turkey donations

A drumstick for every child

With Thanksgiving less than a month away, the Samaritan Center in Jefferson City is in the midst of collecting 1,600 turkeys for the families the agency serves.

"We're also collecting everything to go with the dinner," said Marylyn DeFeo, volunteer executive director of the agency. "Turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, Jell-O, fruit, marshmallows, brown sugar and cranberry sauce."

She said every family will receive a turkey and trimmings in addition to their regular monthly groceries in November.

The Samaritan Center - which also provides services such as utility and rent payments, prescription fees and medical care - is looking to the community for Thanksgiving support.

"People can buy turkeys at Hy-Vee and tell them that it's for the Samaritan Center and they get it to us," DeFeo said. "Hy-Vee is also putting together grocery bags (with other ingredients) that can be purchased for $5 or $10."

DeFeo said community members can also drop off donated turkeys at the Samaritan Center, located at 1310 E. McCarty St. The agency is also accepting monetary donations and volunteer hours.

DeFeo said the Samaritan Center can't buy turkeys at discounted prices like individuals can, because the agency would clean out the supply.

She said she's grateful the community always steps up to help.

"It's our national holiday and I think it's wonderful that the community supports us here and lets every little kid have a drumstick on their table," DeFeo said.

For more information or to make a donation to the Samaritan Center, call 634-7776 or stop by the food pantry at 1310 E. McCarty St