Community Comes Through for ATCAA Food Bank’s Turkey Drive

The Amador Tuolumne Community Acton Agency (ATCAA) Food Bank will be able to fulfill their goal to provide a turkey for every struggling family receiving a holiday basket this year because of the outpouring of community’s support during its second annual Turkey Drive last Saturday at the Save Mart Supermarket in the Timberhills Shopping Center.

Diestel Family Turkey Ranch once again generously offered to provide the first 100 turkeys and to match community donations during specific times of the day for every cash or turkey donation. At match time, the Chicken Ranch Rancheria Band of Mi-Wuk Indians presented a check for $9,000 dollars, and with Diestel’s match, instantly toppled the Food Bank’s goal. Other business and individuals contributed online and in person bringing the total number of turkeys to over 2,000.

“We can’t thank our community enough,” say Deni Avery, ATCAA Food Bank Director. “This is the second year we wanted to include a turkey with the holiday baskets. We asked, and the community answered. We are grateful for the support and grateful to Save Mart for allowing us again to host the drive inside their store.”

For more than twenty years, the food bank has been providing holiday baskets to those in need, distributing both before Thanksgiving and before Christmas. Up until last year, the baskets have never included a turkey. “We are glad that we can continue to provide a complete dinner,” say Avery.

Though the Food Bank has full-filled it’s turkey goal, they are still accepting donations toward the holiday baskets and are in need of volunteers who would like to help during the two upcoming distributions. All ages are welcome. Avery is also working with area schools who are conducting their own food drives and encourages other groups or individuals to do the same. To learn more about how you can help, call Avery at 209-984-3960 x104 or visit ATCAA.org.