Turlock Together is a voluntary cooperation of ministries, businesses, non-profit organizations, schools, service clubs, and community members working together to collect and distribute food and toys to families in need during the Christmas season.
Debi Shrum, of the Turlock Salvation Army, attended Tuesday’s Turlock City Council meeting to inform the Council and community of the efforts and needs of the 2012 Turlock Together.
“We would like to thank the City for supporting us so well,” stated Shrum to the Council.
Shrum reported that Turlock Together is collecting both perishable and nonperishable foods for donation, and that unlike last year, may also have the possibility of the donation of milk and butter as well. The food baskets, which are donated to the registered families in need, are expected to last up to five weeks.
Shrum also reported that there were approximately 1,700 families registered for food baskets, and expects another 200 by the end of this week, bringing the estimated total of food baskets handed out to be around 1,900. Food baskets include items such as spaghetti, cereal, chicken, and “all the mixings for a good dinner.”
It is not too late to sign up for food boxes, and those in need are encouraged to stop by the Salvation Army, located at 893 Lander Ave., to register to receive a food box.
Last year’s Turlock Together donated approximately 2,000 food baskets to families in need within the Turlock area, as well as thousands of new toys for low-income children.
The blue barrels, which collect nonperishable food items for the baskets, have been placed all around the City of Turlock, including one at City Hall, located at 156 S. Broadway.
If you are a business owners and would like to request a blue barrel for your own business, or to volunteer your time to help sort and distribute food and toys during the holiday season with the Salvation Army, please call the Salvation Army in Turlock at 209-620-4910.