Turkeys needed at Waxahachie Care

With the Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaching, Waxahachie Care operations director Wade Holman said they are struggling to find turkeys to include in November’s sack of food.

“Our greatest need right now is turkeys,” Holman said. “We can’t find them. We normally pass out 600 turkeys, and as of right now, we have 130. That’s all we can find. There’s a shortage of turkeys this year because of the bird flu and other circumstances.”

Located at 1208 Ferris Ave., Waxahachie Care is a food pantry devoted to help people in any way it can. Holman said they not only provide food for those in need, but they help wherever they can with rent, medical assistance, utility bills and even a bathroom remodel to make it accessible for wheelchairs.

“If there’s a need and we have the financial means to meet that need, we’ll meet it,” Holman said.

Waxahachie Care gives about 600,000 pounds a year to people in the community who need it, and it would not be possible without volunteers, Holman said.

Volunteers help organize donated food in their warehouse. Food is organized by type and labeled with an expiration date. Volunteers also help fill sacks with food for Waxahachie Care’s monthly “drive through pantry.” Each person receives a sack with a variety of food and a frozen sack with raw meat, frozen deli and more, which equals to about 90 to 100 pounds of food, Holman said.

Along with the normal grocery items, Waxahachie Care adds a frozen turkey, cranberry sauce and other Thanksgiving fixings to its November sack of food.

Because of the shortage of turkeys this year, Holman is asking that people buy an extra turkey for those in need.

“When you got to the grocery store and buy your turkey, just buy an extra turkey and bring it right on down here, and we’ll be glad to take it,” he said.

To donate a turkey or other food items, people can drive up to Waxahachie Care, and a volunteer or staff member will take it inside.

Holman is asking that people donating cans get one with a pop top as most people do not have a can opener.

Those interested in volunteering can fill out a volunteer application located on their website.

For more information, visit https://www.waxahachiecare.org or follow the nonprofit on Facebook @WaxahachieCARE.

Originally published October 31, 2022 - https://www.waxahachiesun.com/arts_and_entertainment/turkeys-needed-at-waxahachie-care/article_ffb8ba26-599b-11ed-85f9-5b234badb094.html