Local shelters, food banks in need of Thanksgiving turkeys
SEATTLE -- While some people use unemployment figures to judge the economy, others look at turkeys.
It's nearly that time of year when food banks put out their requests for donations. And, like canaries in coal mines, Thanksgiving turkeys can be good indicators of how many people are in need of a hot meal.
So far, thing aren't looking good.
"These here are the only two turkey we have in the freezer," said Terry Pallas of Seattle's Union Gospel Mission.
The mission needs 2,000 turkeys by next Wednesday to meet demand, and other food banks are experiencing similar shortages.
"People donating food have declined over the last year," Pallas said. "We are seeing a lot of the effects of the economy still being weighed down and our ability to provide services."
Pallas said perishables like day-old bread are still coming in, but in small numbers.
The mission's shelves are nearly empty and stuffing and potatoes are in short supply. Turkey shortages at shelters and food banks is nothing new, but what is different is that the number of people in need is going up.
"The demand has gone up, so there are more folks in need than in previous years (and) the resources that we have have diminished," Pallas said.
If you'd like to donate money specifically for turkeys, you can do so at the mission's website.
It's nearly that time of year when food banks put out their requests for donations. And, like canaries in coal mines, Thanksgiving turkeys can be good indicators of how many people are in need of a hot meal.
So far, thing aren't looking good.
"These here are the only two turkey we have in the freezer," said Terry Pallas of Seattle's Union Gospel Mission.
The mission needs 2,000 turkeys by next Wednesday to meet demand, and other food banks are experiencing similar shortages.
"People donating food have declined over the last year," Pallas said. "We are seeing a lot of the effects of the economy still being weighed down and our ability to provide services."
Pallas said perishables like day-old bread are still coming in, but in small numbers.
The mission's shelves are nearly empty and stuffing and potatoes are in short supply. Turkey shortages at shelters and food banks is nothing new, but what is different is that the number of people in need is going up.
"The demand has gone up, so there are more folks in need than in previous years (and) the resources that we have have diminished," Pallas said.
If you'd like to donate money specifically for turkeys, you can do so at the mission's website.
This should be easy to fill. I usually donate a turkey or canned goods every year.  Good reminder to check with the local food bank or mission to find out what they need.
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Not too worried about the rude kids posting here - they think they are making an impact. Ha. Only someone who is ignorant of real life struggle would write insensitive comments about people going hungry. One day they will have to go without and maybe with no home to go to. Â
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They will go without food someday and discover what it is to be hungry, then they will think back on this and remember their own lack of compassion for other people. Â
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Karma is pretty thorough that way.
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 @n9078jk4 Leave the front door open and sit in the dark with your gun. They enter, shoot them in the face. Just make sure they are dead or else they might sue you.
I know the food bank (Multi-service center) in federal way is in desprate need of donations.
 @Shannon Same with Multi-Service Center in Kent too.
I think it is really sad that people are refusing to help others because their candidate didn't get elected. You sound like a bunch of petulant children whining, "I didn't get my way so I'm taking my toys and going home." You all need to grow up. I will go donate double now after seeing the selfish attitudes displayed here.
@alaska_dreamin You're good people. Warms my heart to know that people like you are out and about.
Thanks @Smokin Bear , but I only did what I would hope most people would do, I just can't understand the mentality that says it is OK to punish others because I didn't get what I wanted, it just doesn't make any sense. Hope your day goes well. :-)
 @alaska_dreamin Great idea! I think I will do the same.
 @Shelly Normally I would have given $25, but I gave the $50.00 which will feed about 26 people after seeing some of the comments below. I figure if I can make up for the selfishness of a few others, that will help. :-) Hope you have a great night, Shelly.
If you want to make a donation, this is where I went... www. ugm. org (take out the spaces) According to their website, a donation of $19.20 will feed 10 people a nice Thanksgiving meal.  I know times are tough for many, but for those that can donate, $19.20 is an amount that won't hurt too much. If I tried to feed 10 myself for a holiday meal, it would be at least $100, probably double, so they can make your dollar go much further than we ever could. Â
I'm giving to the local food bank...not anything church related. I'm not giving my resources to organizations who spent their time, energy and money fighting against gay marriage and in such a crazy way.
 @nomad I can understand how you feel, and I will be giving to a local food bank as well, but there are many people and charities that count on Union Gospel for help, so I will give to Union Gospel too because not giving to them only punishes the people they help.
I'm an athiest, but I gave to the gospel mission. Regardless of my feelings about the religious part of their charity, the fact remains that they are passionate about helping the people in society that most of the rest of us don't even want to stand next to (& they are very good at it!).  If they throw a little religion in, so what.  People down on their luck need something to believe in.  Religion works for many, regardless of whether its based on facts or not. More power to 'em.
I will not donate a turkey for Thanksgiving, but I will invite a family into my home to have dinner with friends and family. I know that people who need help with Turkeys for Thanksgiving are more than likely on food stamps and if its that hard on them to buy a turkey, it has to be very hard to get everything for the dinner. I also known that when people are having a hard time with things, they need friends the most. My door is open to any family who needs a Thanksgiving with new friends.
I have a heart for the homeless and the people that can't afford to eat, but after yesterdays election, go ask the progressives to fill their plates. I'm tired of trying to do the right thing and earn a decent living for myself and my family while others milk the system for every last dime. A lot will be hungry this year during the holidays. Go ask the progressives to fill your plate and you will end up with nothing, because I'm done giving and I gave a lot. Time for them to step up to the plate. My wallet is dry.
@RYD3R3 So you're going to stop doing good because you don't like our government? What was your motive before? Tax deduction only? It's much better to do it from the heart. How selfish can you possibly be?
@RYD3R3  I agree. There are too many people in the cart and not enough pulling it anymore. This system un not sustainable for much longer. Well said, ask for help from the people who have encouraged and rewarded irresponsibility to the masses.
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I will not give squat to anyone anymore I like being selfish and self absorbed. Me me me me me!!! I like to be bad and I like it when people say I am bad and selfish!
 @missyk I can understand this, too.
American Affordable Turkey Act -
Call Obama he can fix anything.
People can donate thousands and millions of dollars to back politicians but cant donate a turkey? These people with all the money can't donate much less money to go toward turkeys? I always donate food around the holidays, because I am lucky that I am in a position where I can afford to do so.
Then do so.
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I do not believe in Thanksgiving any more. Let Obama provide it.