YUBA/SUTTER/COLUSA, CA (MPG) - Recent financial studies of our area show that some 45% of our bi-county residents and their families are living below the real cost measure of making ends meet, which makes the 18th Annual Turkey Drive has gained significant importance.

This year’s goal is to feed nearly 6,000 people through the efforts of some 20 different non-profit organizations providing meals to those in need during the holidays.

“This year’s goal is to get donations in excess of 350 turkeys and hams through 11 live broadcasts provided at 11 locations by Results Radio stations and in addition collect upwards of $16,000 to purchase additional turkeys and hams,” said Bob Harlan, Executive Director of Yuba-Sutter-Colusa United Way.

Upcoming drop off locations include: Tuesday, Nov. 12 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Hoyjberg Orthodontics in Yuba City; Wednesday, Nov. 13 from 3 to 6 p.m. at A-1 Appliance in Yuba City; Thursday, Nov. 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Legacy Lending in Yuba City; Friday, Nov. 15 from 3 to 6 p.m. at New Earth Market in Yuba City; Saturday, Nov.16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Hoblit Chevrolet in Colusa; Monday, Nov. 18 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Sopa Thai Cuisine in Yuba City; Tuesday, Nov.19 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Grange Co-Op in Yuba City; Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Dow Lewis Motors in Yuba City; Thursday, Nov. 21 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Lakeview Center in Marysville; Friday, Nov. 22 at Rush Personnel Services in Yuba City; and Saturday, Nov. 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Golden Valley Auto Body in Yuba City.

Cash donations may also be made online at YSCUnitedWay.org (click on events) or make a check payable to YSC United Way and mail to P.O. Box 122, Marysville, CA 95901.

“It is important to know that your donations of turkeys, hams and cash and cash will go to helping neighbors in need,” Harlan said.

Turkeys and hams will be distributed to more than 20 non-profit organizations for Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, including Bethel AME Church; Casa de Esperanza; Catholic Ladies Relief Society; Central Valley Homeless Veterans; Christian Assistance Network; First Presbyterian Church; Foothill Food Pantry; Harmony Health; Marysville First United Methodist Church; Ministerial Association of Colusa County; Olivehurst Seventh Day Adventist Church; SoYouCan; St. Andrew Presbyterian Church; St. Vincent de Paul; The Salvation Army; Twin Cities Rescue Mission; Western Farmworkers Association; Yuba-Sutter Food Bank; Yuba-Sutter Veteran’s Stand Down; and more!

“With the cost of living continuing to rise steadily, the kind and generous response of other community members means a lot for those who struggle to get by, especially during the holiday season,” Harlan said.