Fort Wayne — November 18, 2015 —The Franciscan Center announces today that it expects to again provide over 1,800 turkeys to clients on its annual “Turkey Tuesday”, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving that its Food Pantry is open. For the past 16 years the Franciscan Center has made efforts to help make Thanksgiving dinner a traditional one for the many who could not do so on their own.
At its start, Turkey Tuesday was just another service day at the Franciscan Center, handing out 30 turkeys. The effort has grown into an event of it’s own. “Our largest usage day for our Food Pantry is always the Tuesday before Thanksgiving,” explains Tony Ley, executive director of The Franciscan Center, “while we may average 450 families a week during the year, based upon experience we fully expect to more than quadruple that number on one day. Men, women and children will line up around the building at 4:30 a.m. even though we do not starting serving until 9:00 a.m.”
Those wanting to help with Turkey Tuesday have two options: drop off turkeys at one of three sites or donate $11.50 to purchase a turkey. “We need nearly the equivalent of $21,000 in turkeys to meet our expected need,” notes Tony. “A gift of $115 will help purchase 10 turkeys. Or, as you shop this weekend for your own Thanksgiving table, consider purchasing another turkey for someone else’s family.”
Drop Off sites are the following:
The Arlington Park subdivision clubhouse, 4630 W Arlington Park Blvd, this Saturday from 9am-5pm.
Their main offices at 1015 E Maple Grove at Gaywood Street during business hours.
Their Family Thrift Store 925 E Coliseum between Parnell and Clinton during business hours.
As in previous years, The Franciscan Center relies completely on donations to provide the turkeys distributed to its clients. “We are truly blessed by the community,” adds Tony, “we always manage to have enough to distribute to every family in line thanks to community donations. It is truly a Thanksgiving Miracle every year.”
Contact the Franciscan Center, write on your check or note on your online donation that the funds are earmarked for “Turkey Tuesday”, or go to their website at www.thefranciscancenter.org to make an online donation and help fulfill a Miracle again in 2015.
For more information please contact Tony Ley at 260-710-3985.
