West Valley food banks need donations

With Thanksgiving around the corner, local food banks are urging people to donate frozen turkeys and other food items to fill holiday food boxes.

Valley View Community Food Bank in Youngtown and St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance have special turkey drop-off locations and hours through next week.

Valley View

The need for these food boxes is great every year, but food donations are especially low this year because of the slow economy, said director Jesse Ramirez.

"They're coming in steadily but not as aggressive as we want them," he said. "We're hoping we'll have enough for everyone who comes in for a food box."

Valley View Community Food Bank is accepting donations of turkeys and holiday foods, including fresh potatoes and produce. The food bank also will be distributing holiday food boxes through Wednesday.

Ramirez said the goal is to hand out 2,000 Thanksgiving food boxes. Valley View distributed about 1,600 food boxes last year.

On Thursday, the food bank will host its second annual Thanksgiving feast from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will be at Youngtown Charter School, 13226 N. 113th Ave. Ramirez said everyone is welcome to attend. The food bank plans to serve 500 people.

St. Mary's

St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance sites throughout the Valley are extending their hours next week for holiday donations.

Turkey donations for the food bank also can be made at other locations.

• Trader Joe's stores are collecting frozen turkeys from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Wednesday. The Surprise store is at 14095 W. Grand Ave.

• The food bank is hosting a special turkey food drive today at three shopping centers across the Valley. Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tempe Marketplace, Desert Ridge Marketplace in Phoenix and Sundance Towne Center in Buckeye.