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OGDEN -- With Thanksgiving just two days away, many local companies have donated food and money just in time to help families in need of a holiday dinner.
Marcie Valdez, director for Northern Utah Catholic Community Services, said they are providing turkey dinners to about 1,300 families this year.
While United Way donated 467 turkeys to the foundation, with 56 turkeys and one ham coming from Standard-Examiner readers, Valdez said they were short on the trimmings that traditionally accompany a Thanksgiving feast.
So Bank of Utah stepped in to donate 363 pounds of food to help feed about 60 families.
"It seemed like there was a lot of turkeys, so we decided we could donate some trimmings," said Scott Parkinson, senior vice president of the bank. "It feels great. It's what we ought to be doing."
Valdez said food bank leaders are thrilled with the donation.
"It was perfect timing," she said. "We had a few donations come in through the week, but we just ran out. So really, their help will go a long way and it will make sure our baskets really do have some of the holiday-type items."
Those receiving a holiday-meal basket signed up for them weeks ago, Valdez said. Some baskets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from 9:30 a.m. to noon Wednesday for those who didn't sign up.
Valdez said people looking to receive a basket need a food card or, if they don't have a card, must call the food bank office at (801) 394-5944 to find out what documents they need. Two other Ogden companies have teamed up to donate to St. Anne's Center this week as well.
Autoliv and Peak Performance for two years have held a joint 5K run in August, called the Race for Life, to help their employees in need. This year, they helped four employees and donated $2,000 to the St. Anne's building fund as well as about four dozen turkeys for the holiday season.
"It's a very fulfilling and rewarding opportunity for me," said Dan Sears, quality supervisor for Autoliv who was involved in planning the race.
"If I wasn't involved with this group with Autoliv, I'd be oblivious to what was going on, so I am grateful for that."
St. Anne's executive director Jennifer Canter said the donation from the two companies was an honor.
"We are the only community agency besides their employees that they gave to," she said, "so we consider it a tremendous honor."
Several organizations in Ogden are still looking for items to be donated to help families this holiday season.
Valdez said Catholic Community Services is seeking more holiday trimming donations, such as cranberries and yams, but also needs protein-based foods, such as beans and tuna, as well as canned fruit and vegetables. It also needs hygiene items, including toilet paper, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
Donations can be dropped off at Joyce Hansen Hall Food Bank, 2504 "F" St., Ogden.
Canter said St. Anne's needs monetary donations and new, unwrapped toys to be given to children this holiday season. Donations can be dropped off at the center at 137 W. Binford St.
The Salvation Army also is asking for cash donations and volunteers this holiday season.
Volunteer opportunities available through the Red Kettle campaign include delivering Thanksgiving meals, bell ringing and The Angel Tree program, with trees available in all Macy's department stores and Cyprus Credit Unions.
For more information on volunteering and donating to the Salvation Army, call (801) 621-3580.
