Catholic Charities in Brockton distributes 900 turkeys

The Enterprise of Brockton, Mass.
www.enterprisenews.com
By Elaine Allegrini
ENTERPRISE STAFF WRITER
BROCKTON — Charlene Ainslees eyes filled with tears as she accepted a Thanksgiving turkey from a Catholic Charities volunteer Monday.
Its a big relief, said Ainslee, 52, who was seeking help for the first time after a disability left her unemployed.
Behind her, hundreds of turkeys awaited others in need, including Vera Rodriguez of Brockton, who said her family of four may not have had Thanksgiving dinner without help from Catholic Charities.
Its tough to get by on one income, said Rodriguez, whose husband is out of work. The couple has two children, ages 12 and 4.
She and the others had preregistered for the 900 holiday dinner packages — turkey, potatoes, canned vegetables, stuffing and gravy — that volunteers handed out at Catholic Charities on Monday.
It is the largest Thanksgiving program in the city, according to Dennis Carman, president and CEO of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County. Churches, schools and other agencies supplement the program with additional meals for those in need.

Mondays annual giveaway came as many people are struggling to make ends meet and hang onto their jobs in a sour economy.
Unemployment nationally is just over 6 percent. The financial markets are sputtering. The housing market is struggling to overcome a surge in foreclosures. The auto industry is in a crisis.
But families still want to get together on Thursday to reflect on what they are grateful for — and to enjoy a traditional dinner with all the fixings.
Theres something magical about turkey and Thanksgiving, said Robert Loxley, who coordinates the effort at Catholic Charities.

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