Responding to NJ 101.5's call for help last week, a local organization came up in a big way to assist The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties this Thanksgiving.

frozen turkeys
Responding to reports of a turkey shortage at The FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, the Jersey Strong Foundation is delivering a check for $25,000. (Dino Flammia, Townsquare Media NJ)
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A Nov. 3 report on NJ1015.com focused on the FoodBank's shortage of 2,000 birds due to the outbreak of avian flu that's killed off millions of turkeys.

The facility had no idea how it would fill the gap by its deadline, Nov. 16, but their prayers were answered this week when the Jersey Strong Foundation said they'd be delivering a check for $25,000.

The donation covers the purchase of 1,700 turkeys, and when combined with other organizations that have come forward, the FoodBank says no family who requested a turkey will go without one.

"We are overjoyed that now we know that every family in Monmouth and Ocean County will have a turkey for this Thanksgiving," said Linda Keenan, the FoodBank's director of development. "I think this is a wonderful example of a local organization helping local families."

Steven Kane, director of the Jersey Strong Foundation in Wall Township, said they immediately knew upon hearing our report that this cause would resonate most with their supporters.

"Everyone wants family and friends to be comfortable and enjoy the holidays, and have something to be thankful for," Kane said.

"We're so excited to be able to do this," added Heidi Roma, foundation chairperson.

The bird flu outbreak, the biggest ever in the U.S., put a big dent in the supply of poultry nationwide, resulting in major price spikes over the past two years.

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