People Helping People has begun planning its annual Thanksgiving food drive and needs help getting some of the food items that will be distributed to the needy.

The nonprofit organization normally expands its regular food program to distribute Thanksgiving turkeys and all the fixings to about 200 low-income families and seniors, and relies on donations to supplement the 5,000 pounds of food it normally delivers before the holiday. This year the agency plans to serve more than 250 families.

The PHP food program has grown by more than 40 percent during the past year, said Executive Director Dean Palius.

“This is indicative of the national financial troubles hitting home here in the Santa Ynez Valley,” he said. “Peoples’ (work) hours have been reduced or they have been laid off. Seniors on fixed incomes have been hurt by rising food and fuel costs.”

Even in good years, the agency struggles to meet the needs at holidays. But this year, the county’s Foodbank, which usually contributes 60 turkeys, told PHP to prepare for zero.

 

“Fortunately, we have received annual donations from local schools, Rotary clubs and the Chumash Casino and Resort, but some years there still aren’t enough,” Palius said. “It is truly heartbreaking to be the one to have to turn needy people away.”

Turkeys will be distributed at Mission Santa Ines in Solvang and at St. Anthony’s Church in Los Alamos from noon to 1:30 p.m. Nov. 24.

Donations of turkeys or hams and other traditional accompaniments can be made at PHP’s Service Center, 545 N. Alisal Rd. in Solvang. Freezer and storage space are available so the agency can begin taking donations immediately. You may also call (805) 686-0295 to donate.

Although the Thanksgiving needs are currently a top priority, PHP staff is beginning to plan for its Valley-wide Christmas program, Fulfill-A-Wish, and is reaching out to the community for help.

A large cast of staff and volunteers will be distributing gifts and clothing to needy families throughout the area. More than $20,000 in clothing and gifts and 50 volunteers are needed to meet this need.

 

“It is a wonderful feeling to help so many celebrate who otherwise could not,” said Lois Craig, PHP’s associate executive director.

Most of the people helped are low-income families, single mothers and victims of domestic violence, Craig noted.

The location of the Fulfill-A-Wish event is yet to be determined, but distribution of holiday gifts will take place Dec. 18, 19 and 21. Eligible families will be scheduled to visit the boutique and choose a limited number of gifts based on the size of the family.

Gift-wrapped donation boxes advertising “Fulfill-A-Wish” and “Toys for Tots” will be available in mid-November located throughout the Valley in businesses, churches, schools and government offices. Individuals interested in making a donation can purchase a new item and drop it off unwrapped in any one of the donation boxes or deliver donations to the People Helping People office at 545 N. Alisal Rd., Solvang.

The agency needs gift donations, wrapping paper or cash; placement of a donation box in your business; or your volunteer time. For information, contact People Helping People at (805) 686-0295.

 

jfoster@syvjournal.com