COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The Springs Rescue Mission feeds thousands of people every year, but preparing for the 3,000 people that will attend their annual Thanksgiving feast takes a little bit extra.
So, the mission is asking you to help your fellow neighbor and donate a frozen turkey.
"So with the unemployment rate the way it is, I think that creates more demand. We see even in our daily meals more working poor families rather than just the homeless," Larry Yonker, the Chief Development Officer of the Springs Rescue Mission, said.
As of Friday afternoon, the mission had a little fewer than 100 turkeys but needs 850 by Thursday of next week.
The big birds will be used for the big night and serve as the main dish in the 800 food boxes for families who can't afford Thanksgiving meals.
"I think it can really affect them in a lot of ways, emotionally and spiritually," Joe Vazquez, the Chief Executive Officer of the Springs Rescue Mission, said.
While a turkey might not seem like a big deal, it's a crucial meal that represents the holidays.
It's so important that if the mission doesn't get enough donations they'll purchase the turkeys.
"Every dollar we spend buying food is money we can't use for our recovery program," Yonker said.
And with the demand expected to be greater this year than in years past, the mission is hoping you remember those in need.
If you want to help and donate a turkey you can bring your donations to the Springs Rescue Mission at 5 W. Las Vegas Street in the city Monday through Saturday.
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