United Way of Lake County Gives Turkeys to 50 Local Food Pantries

handed out 620 turkeys to 50 local food pantries and residential facilities Monday morning.

The turkeys were purchased from with money from the . The drive raised more about 45,500 pounds of food and more than $60,000 in cash. The money is used throughout the year to purchase food for pantries in September, November and December.

Most of the food donations from Feed Lake County were distributed to food pantries in April as part of the . United Way of Lake County will make another purchase in December, in time for Christmas.

also participated in Monday’s distribution, dropping off a vehicle full of nonperishable items for the food pantries and a $660 check. The dealership had an employee food drive over the past week that raised more than 250 pounds of food.

"We wanted to do something for the community and we thought of doing a food drive before Thanksgiving," said John Flynn, the dealership's sales manager. "We all make a good living and sometimes we forget that there are those who aren’t as fortunate as we are. This gives us an opportunity to give back to the community."

The food pantries continue to see an increase in numbers, according to the local chapter of the United Way. Last year, more than 6,000 people sought help from a local food pantry and between 700 and 1,100 residents needed help on a weekly basis. These food pantries report they are seeing 10 to 20 new visitors each week.

"The need for food is great in so many areas because of the unemployment rates," said Nick Vaccariello, a volunteer for the Food Force Food Pantry in Painesville. "Our clients really appreciate the donations, and they can’t thank United Way of Lake County enough. United Way has continued to stock our food pantry and supply us with food. United Way has really been a Godsend to so many people."