Sacred Heart Community Service in need of turkeys

SAN JOSE (KGO) -- Many families are getting ready to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with a table loaded with food, but, there are a large number of families who have to rely on charity.

If you're at Sacred Heart Community Service in San Jose you have a lot to be thankful for. The charity is handing out food boxes to thousands of families over the next few days, filled with veggies, fruit and everything else you need for a big Thanksgiving meal including a turkey. For families struggling with rising rents and stagnant income, Sacred Heart makes the holiday meal possible.

"It's very expensive, rent, bills, so once you're done paying all those you're left with not too much money to go grocery shopping and that's where Sacred Heart really know, comes in," said San Jose resident Sandra Quintero.

Sacred Heart Community Service relies on donations to fill the pantry and freezer. Workers say they have 2,300 turkeys, but need 7,000 to feed those in need for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

"Because right now we're still short of turkey for the families that already have an appointment from us. So we're hoping that the community will listen to our message, will learn about the program and come by and donate a turkey," said Graciela Mann, Sacred Heart Community Service.

At Second Harvest Food Bank in San Jose there was a big incentive for donations as those who turned in a turkey and got an autograph from 49ers safety Antoine Bethea.

"We are in America. I don't really believe that anyone in this country should be hungry, you know. All the resources we have here, you know. It's sad but like I sad but if I'm in a position where I can do a little bit. Then that's what I'm going to do," said Bethea.