Thanksgiving is often a time for families and friends to get together, give thanks, and share large feasts. However, some people in the Valley need a little help to get the food on their table.

Community Food Bank in Fresno is hoping people will open their cupboards and their hearts to help people in need enjoy a happy Thanksgiving.

The need in the valley is great. Last year Community Food Bank distributed around 1,300 boxes of food for Thanksgiving, but they hope to pass out more this year.

Items needed include:
Canned fruits
Canned vegetables
Mashed potato flakes
Cranberry sauce
Dinner rolls
Stuffing mixes
Macaroni and cheese
Rice
Canned juice
Turkeys.

Tax deductible monetary donations are also helpful. For every one dollar that’s donated, the Food Bank is able to buy eight dollars worth of food.

Need in the valley reaches far beyond the holiday season.

Each week, food collected at Community Food Bank typically feeds around 50,000 people. The food is often passed out at the 170 organizations, such as churches and senior centers, that work with Community Food Bank.

C.E.O. Dana Wilkie says no donations is too small. “A can of food makes all the difference in the world to someone who's hungry. You just don't know what sort of difference that will make. If one person gives, then another, then another, and all of a sudden you have a meal box ready to go.”

Donations for Thanksgiving meal boxes are needed by November 17th.

You can drop off donations Monday through Friday, between 7a.m and 3 p.m.

Community Food Bank is located at 3403 East Central Avenue in Fresno.

You can call 237-FOOD for more information or click on Community Food Bank