‘Cranksgiving’ in need of turkeys

Organizers of the annual “Cranksgiving” event are asking for the community’s help in collecting 1,000 turkeys to donate to the Idaho Foodbank for Thanksgiving.

According to event organizers Jonathon Hunt and Tami Parrish, the Idaho Food Bank said 1,500 families in Bannock County alone will need help this year. Hunt hopes the event closes the gap.

“We’re really trying to just step up and do our duty to our community,” Hunt said.

Barrie’s Ski and Sports in Pocatello is collecting the turkeys again this year. Money donations to help buy turkeys are also being collected. On Nov. 21, volunteers will help deliver the turkeys by bike to the Idaho Foodbank on South First Avenue.

Last year, 772 turkeys were collected in two weeks. This year, Parrish is looking to collect 1,000.

“We don’t want the Idaho Foodbank to be turning people away this year. That’s what happens if we can’t (collect enough) turkeys, people are going to be turned away,” she said. “We can’t have that happen.

Anyone interested in helping can bring turkey or money donations to Barrie’s Ski and Sport in Pocatello. If you want to help deliver the turkeys, the delivery will begin at 10 a.m. on Nov. 21.

Delivering the turkeys is optional.