Last Thanksgiving the Turlock Salvation Army gave out just under 400 turkeys and dinner boxes in the three days prior to the holiday. This year the need is expected to increase, however, donations are less than half of last year. As of Monday, the Salvation Army only had 160 turkeys left and not enough Thanksgiving food items to last through the day — let alone Tuesday and Wednesday.

Salvation Army spokesperson Lissette Maunakea said she cannot remember a year that the food closet had to turn away needy people and families — something she fears may happen this year.

“We will give what we can, even if it’s a chicken dinner — but I think if someone wants a turkey on Thanksgiving we should be able to give that to them,” she said.

The food closet is also in need of boxed stuffing, canned yams, boxed potatoes, cereal, eggs and pies.

To donate visit the Salvation Army at 893 Lander Ave., in Turlock, or call 667-6091.

To contact Jonathan McCorkell, e-mail jmccorkell@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2015.