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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The lagging economy is putting a strain on local nonprofits, just as their busy holiday season gets underway. 

Silver Key Senior Services is one of them. The organization is in desperate need of frozen turkeys.

The organization is trying to provide Thanksgiving meals to 400 of its clients. Problem is, the group is short 300 turkeys.

Connealia Johnson has had a lot of help from Silver Key over the past few years, since back surgery made it tough for her to get around.

"They put up rails in my bathroom for me and I've used them for transport," she said.

Just in time for Thanksgiving she also got a turkey and all the fixings. "It is a blessing. God is good," she said.

But hundreds of other seniors in need could go without turkeys this year unless donations come in quickly.

"We started giving out what we have today, but we're worried that by tomorrow or Thursday we're going to run out of turkeys," said Paul Koch, Silver Key resource development director.

He says the economy is hurting the organization and those it serves. "We're trying to make sure that we serve those folks. Their needs are going up while our donations are off a little this year."

But it isn't just financial. Koch says the donations give volunteers a chance to visit with seniors at a time when they need it most.

"The holidays can be a tough time for seniors. They may have lost their loved ones. They may be away from family," he said.

Both Koch and Johnson say they believe the community will come through. Johnson said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive and if you're able to do so then you'll be blessed for that."

Those who want to provide a turkey are asked to donate one weighing between 10 and 16 pounds. Anything larger can be difficult for seniors to handle. Drop off donations at 2250 Bott Ave. between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

For more information about Silver Key, click on the link below.

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