HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — It’s difficult to imagine a Thanksgiving without a feast, but it is an unfortunate reality for many area families struggling financially.

Missio Dei Church of Huntington, W.Va., along with Crew Community Church, Crosspoint Community Church, East Pea Ridge Baptist Church and area businesses are determined to make the Thanksgiving season a little brighter for hundreds of individuals who’ve fallen on hard times. With its “Turkeys for the Tri-State,” it will be partnering with other area churches and businesses to gather turkeys for the Huntington Area Food Bank.

The church’s goal is to collect enough turkeys to fill as many food baskets to be distributed by the food bank to needy families throughout the region.

Any size frozen turkey may be taken to the marked drop-off station at Pullman Square in Huntington on Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

From there the turkeys will be transported to the Huntington Area Food Bank.

The churches see the turkey drive as a unique but relatively easy way for the community to come together to serve those in need.

“Many of us probably don’t think much of going to the store and buying whatever food we need, whenever we need it. But there are just as many – if not more — individuals for whom it’s not that simple,” said Missio Dei pastor Mark White. “While you’re making your shopping list for Thanksgiving dinner, consider adding another turkey to your list and swinging by Pullman Square to drop it off. It could make all the difference to a family right down the street from you.”

For more information about Turkeys for the Tri-State, contact Mark White at mark@missio.cc or Hilton Hastings at hiltonhastings@hotmail.com or go to www.missio.cc.