A local Scout troop is trying to help those in need ahead of Thanksgiving.

The Merion Liberty Troop is accepting donations for the Narberth Community Food Bank, to help those who need a turkey for Thanksgiving.

“Typically, Philabundance provides the Narberth Food Bank with enough turkeys to support the 216 households they serve for Thanksgiving. However, this year Philabundance can only provide 40 turkeys,” said the troop.

“Our Troop, Merion Liberty 71, is collecting 40 additional turkeys, which will max out the Food Bank’s ability to store turkeys.  To help make up the difference of 136 turkeys we are also collecting funds to purchase $20 gift cards from a local supermarket,” the troop said.

All donations are tax deductible, and there is no minimum but each donation of $20 will help provide a Thanksgiving dinner for a family in need, according to organizer Josh Willis. In prior years, the troop has partnered with the food bank on similar collection drives, and turkeys can be dropped off at the Narberth Community Food Bank, located at 201 Sabine Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Mondays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays.

Scouts have already collected frozen turkeys at a weekly troop meeting, according to Willis, and those interested in helping can contact Willis via Josh@mjwillis.com to arrange for a pickup. Last year the troop and pack collected over 6,000 pounds of food donations for the same food bank, via the annual Scouting for Food collection program, according to troop leader Scott Kleeman.

“The Food Bank can only store around 70 to 80-ish turkeys.  We are also trying to make up the difference between the 80 or so birds and the 216 or so Families in need with $20 Gift Cards to buy a turkey, and some sides,” Willis said.

Donations are being accepted until Nov. 13, and as of Nov. 3 the donations had raised $1776, roughly 64 percent toward the troop’s goal of $2,750.

“I am really looking to ensure a great holiday for all.  I grew up with a single mother on some assistance programs; so I know what it is like,” Willis said.

“It’s not just about Thanksgiving Day though, the Food Bank always needs help,” he said.

A list of additional items needed by the food bank is posted on their website and includes Scotch tape, garbage bags of all sizes, cleaning spray, printer paper canned goods and more, while the Scouts are also in need of “a loan of few chest freezers for some temporary storage,” per Willis.

For more information on the Narberth Community Food Bank visit https://narberthcommunityfoodbank.org/. or follow “Narberth Community Food Bank” on Facebook.