Denver Rescue Mission Crying Fowl In Bid For More Birds; Turkey Donations Needed

Every year, the Denver Rescue Mission holds a 'Great Thanksgiving Banquet' complete with classic Thanksgiving fixings to feed the homeless and poor. The Mission also assembles and distributes food boxes--nearly 1,300 of them--to needy families in the Denver Metro area.

In addition to the standard donations of canned fruits and vegetables, boxed stuffing, etc., the production requires about 10,000 turkeys. This year, the Rescue Mission's turkey stockpile is a little low -- close to one week before Thanksgiving, they only have 603 birds.

The Mission found itself in a similar position in 2010. After asking for community help, however, citizens responded by donating 20,000 birds, most of which were then distributed to other foodbanks, reports the Denver Post.

In 2009, when the group struggled to gather turkeys, Southwest Airlines served up the largest Rescue Mission donation in history. According to 9News, the airline brought 4,000 turkeys to help feed the needy.

If you have the ability to donate a bird (12 lbs and up), they can be dropped off at 1130 Park Ave West in Denver.