BURBANK : Center Seeks Turkeys and Hams for Needy

The Burbank Temporary Aid Center is trying to collect turkeys and hams for holiday dinners for the hungry, but the goal of 500 meals may be difficult to meet, the agency’s director said.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the group had not collected a single meal, said Cherie Combs, executive director of the center, which began seeking donations for holiday meals Monday.

“Last year, we did not receive enough and we were handing out holiday boxes of food without the main product,” Combs said. Last year late donations of turkeys or hams were rushed to families who had not received full holiday boxes.

The boxes of holiday food include pancake mix, syrup, peanut butter and jelly, aluminum pans and foil, cranberries, apple sauce, brown sugar, milk, eggs, and either a fresh or frozen pie. Center clients have to make an appointment to pick up their holiday boxes, Combs said.

Last year, the center spent funds that would have been used on other services to buy extra holiday hams and turkeys. Combs said she did not know if they would do that again this year, but it is a tough choice to make.

“The holidays are so important, especially when you have children,” Combs said. “We’re just hoping some miracle happens that we will have enough.”

Because of the greater need and limited resources, this is also the first year that the agency will give out only one holiday meal per family. In previous years the agency was able to give out a holiday meal for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

More people are unemployed and those who have been on unemployment for a long time have reached the end of their benefits, said Combs, who is going to local clubs and organizations to get help.

Donations are being accepted at the Burbank Temporary Aid Center, 1304 W. Burbank Blvd.

In addition to its weekday hours, the center is also open on the first and third Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to noon.