A call for help from Helping Hands has led to a surge in donations, and the volunteers which run the Marion County Food Pantry believe they’ll get all the turkeys they need for the Thanksgiving food baskets they are preparing.

Chuck Galeazzi from Helping Hands asked for turkey donations earlier this week, when it appeared the organization would fall short; but even with the addition of more families in need of a basket, the donations have come in.

He tells KNIA/KRLS News he’s relieved, but not surprised, by the Knoxville community’s willingness to help out during the holiday season.

“I just wanted to express a thank you to the community and KNIA/KRLS to come forward to make this happen,” Galeazzi says. “They do it every year; I get scared, but it always pans out. So I think…we’re probably awfully close to our goal.”

Donations can still be made in time for Thanksgiving this Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Helping Hands, located at 110 West Main Street in Knoxville. They should be brought in by way of the alley behind the building.