More donors have answered the call to provide an entree for Thanksgiving baskets at Helping Hands…including the people at Homestead.

Helping Hands asked for assistance early this week, fearing a shortfall of turkeys for the families they serve; the staff and residents at the assisted living center in Knoxville raised over $342 dollars, enough to buy over 25 turkeys and hams for the Marion County food pantry.

Dee Swink from Homestead tells KNIA/KRLS News they joined forces with Hy-Vee to bring the food items over to Helping Hands, and the effort was worth it.

“It’s excellent; this is the first time that we’ve really participated with Helping Hands as far as the residents really getting involved,” Swink says. “They just really came out and they gave what they could; we had over probably 15 or 20 residents that actually gave money this year, and a lot of the staff pitched in also.

“Yeah, it’s a wonderful feeling; we want everybody in Marion County to be happy and fed at the holidays.”

Chuck Galeazzi from Helping Hands says this is typical of the type of help his organization receives each year, and they are grateful to the Knoxville community and to the various donors who have helped out.