PEABODY — One charity is doing more than talking turkey.
The Making a Difference in Peabody Foundation handed out 180 turkeys and fixings to needy families this week, according to nonprofit president Scott Frasca. He estimates the food will reach nearly 700 people based on a family size of four.
Last year, Making a Difference gave out 75 turkeys, Frasca said. The doubling of handouts this year reflects what's happening in the wider society.
"Part of it is due to increased demand," he said. "Some families were just laid off."
The charity purchases the turkeys and receives additional food donations from Hannaford Supermarket to share.
Frasca said he works closely with the schools to identify families who might go hungry.
Higgins Middle School Housemaster Karen McGovern, a vice principal, and the schools' guidance counselors found 68 families of Higgins students to receive the Thanksgiving meals.
"People were very receptive and very appreciative of it," she said.
McGovern, a foundation board director, said the work helps her and the others who pitched in appreciate their own holidays a little more.
"Kids are going to have food on the table for Thanksgiving holiday," she said. "It's taking care of our own community, being able to help support and provide the things people need during tough times."
McGovern said Making a Difference has been very helpful to families in need.
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