FISH plans to serve as many as 375 with Thanksgiving baskets

Friends in Service Helping has gathered enough turkeys and trimmings to make Thanksgiving baskets for as many as 375 needy families in Carson City and Lyon and Douglas counties.

Baskets will be distributed at 138 E. Long St. in Carson City; 811 Short Court in The Ranchos in Douglas County; and 4960 Highway 50 East in Mark Twain in Lyon County.

"We've distributed about 300 already for Thanksgiving," said FISH executive director Monte Fast.

At the organization's recently opened Lyon County food bank, donations and customers have been coming in as expected, Fast said. The location already has 65 people on its list for baskets. FISH doesn't have a cutoff date, he said.

"If (people) need something for Thanksgiving, they're going to get it," he promised.

The organization has provided local families with Thanksgiving and Christmas turkey baskets for 17 years. Last year, Fast said more than 325 families were served at Thanksgiving and another 500 for Christmas. He expects the numbers to increase slightly this year, he said.

To participate, families register by stating their need. Many families are adopted by churches, service clubs, businesses, governmental agencies and individuals.

Much of the basket food is donated from the annual Carson School Trick or Treat for FISH Food Drive sponsored by the Carson Rotary Club, the Carson Sertoma Club and the Carson Ministerial Association.

Mike's Pharmacy and the Carson City Salvation Army also collected 125 turkeys for baskets. FISH will spend $3,000 to $4,000 to make up for additional food needed this holiday season, Fast said.

IF YOU GO

Thanksgiving food baskets will be distributed at: 138 E. Long St. in Carson City; 811 Short Court in The Ranchos in Douglas County; and 4960 Highway 50 East in Mark Twain in Lyon County.

"With these heavy winter months, it's going to strap our inventory," Fast said.