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Charity short on turkeys

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Volunteers who had helped organize an annual Thanksgiving Day dinner for struggling families are now among those asking for aid, the event’s founder said Tuesday.

New Outreach Christian Center, a church at 3900 Gossett Avenue in west Charlotte, donated more than 120 turkeys to the less fortunate last year, said pastor Brenda Stevenson.

The church had collected just 43 turkeys as of Tuesday evening.

Rising unemployment and funding cuts for social service agencies have put extra pressure on charities, Stevenson said.

“I get 31 calls a day,” she said, adding that she could see a 300% increase in families seeking help this Thanksgiving.

Stevenson said some companies which have sponsored the church’s meal are now writing smaller checks while the cost of groceries, including turkeys, has increased.

A Thanksgiving dinner is no longer in Rene Bennett’s budget.

Bennett said she is unemployed and is struggling with health problems.

She said her two sons, both in their twenties, had helped her financially but they recently took a pay cut in their jobs.

Bennett said she will add her name to the list of families requesting a frozen turkey from Stevenson’s church and hopes to cook for her children.

“I never thought I would have to do it like that, but this is one time I really need it,” she said.

Stevenson said she is counting on last-minute donations of frozen turkeys to provide a dinner to more than 300 people.

If you'd like to donate, call New Outreach Christian Center at 704-398-1777.