2,000 Turkeys aids Washington food bank
Standing in the middle of McKean Avenue in Charleroi, an old punch line kept going around in Mark Alterici’s head.
Why did the turkey cross the road?
“I was saying that the entire day,” said Alterici with a laugh, attired in a turkey costume, stopping cars seeking donations for the Washington County Food Bank.
“… because he saw a worthwhile cause to support the community.”
The cause was the Washington County Food Bank’s 2,000 Turkeys.
Begun in the late 1980s and supported over the years by Washington, Pa.-based radio station WJPA, the 2,000 Turkeys Committee had an initial goal of providing Thanksgiving dinner for 2,000 needy families across the county.
Currently, 2,000 Turkeys provides for roughly 5,000 families, said Tim Solobay, a member of the committee since 2010.
“Over the years, the number and the need has grown,” Solobay said.
In an effort to boost 2,000 Turkeys, Solobay last year donned a turkey costume and collected money for the food bank. Canonsburg Mayor Dave Rhome, also a committee member, contacted Alterici, who also collected in front of his Washington, Pa. store.
“It got to point where we didn’t think we were going to meet our goal,” Solobay said. “I said, ‘I’ll dress in turkey costume if it will help people.'”
Earlier this month, Tim Solobay went on WJPA radio to challenge Alterici to raise money in Charleroi, where he also has a store. Like Alterici, Solobay donned a turkey costume, but collected in Washington, Pa.
Volunteers Jamie Protin, Myra Motycki and Jeannine Motycki helped Alterici collect the money.
“We spent the day walking through town,” Alterici said. “Most of day, we were in the middle of street collecting donations.”
Solobay, who was joined by Rhome, in a pilgrim costume, said more than $30,000 was collected between Charleroi and Washington. Range Resources agreed to match up to $25,000.
Solobay said he plans to seek involvement from other Valley communities next year.
“My life is public service,” said Solobay, a former state senator and 40-year Canonsburg firefighter.
“My parents taught me to help. I remember my parents, Elsie and Joe, around the holidays would fix up fruit baskets and give them out to people in the neighborhood. I remember as a kid delivering food baskets to people in need.”
Solobay said roughly 85 percent of the food bank clients are seniors, unemployed or physically disabled.
“So that concept that we’re feeding people who are too lazy has to go way,” Solobay said. “We’re helping people who need help.”
Alterici said while 2,000 Turkeys will provide dinner for families by Thursday, the need continues.
“It’s a great event for Thanksgiving but the food bank needs help year round,” Alterici said. “Anything you can do year round to help them is appreciated.”
Solobay said donations can still be made, mailed to 2,000 Turkeys, Box 2000, Washington, PA 15301.