It’s Nearly Time To Sign Up For Turkeys from Manna

Each year, Manna collects thousands of turkeys to be given out to those in need. But first, the recipients need to sign up for them. And that starts soon!

Manna in Bangor is very busy this time of year. First, they have to get the word out to folks that, if they can't afford to buy a turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, they can sign up to receive a free one. Signing up is easy. This year, they're encouraging folks to stop by Manna's headquarters at 629 Main Street from Monday, November 9th to Sunday, November 18th, between 8:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Executive Director Bill Rae told me that there's no financial restrictions on who can receive. They, rather, just look to people in need. That may include a working family who has to make a choice between buying a turkey or paying for some necessity. He doesn't want people to have to stress about that. So they should stop by and sign up. And Bill says, if there's a line, don't turn away. Signing up is quick and easy.

Once the sign-up is done, then it's time to collect the turkeys! Folks can drop donations of turkeys off at Manna, or they can donate gift cards and the staff at Manna will do the shopping. Plus, don't forget my coworker 'Kid' will be living in the Brewer Hannaford parking lot from November 17th to the 19th, and you can drop them off with him!

Manna acts as a clearing house for food pantries and soup kitchens around the region, so the demand is great. Bill told me that Food and Medicine in Brewer, alone, is looking for 1,100 turkeys this year. So if you can help, that will be much appreciated. Let's work together to give everyone something to be thankful for this year.