VIDALIA — A local nonprofit is hoping to help less fortunate Concordia Parish residents put turkeys on their tables this Christmas.

Feed The Hungry, a ministry of First Assembly of God in Vidalia, is seeking turkey donations to include in Christmas food donations to be given Dec. 17 to the residents the organization serves.

“We didn’t get any turkeys for Thanksgiving … we got some chickens, but turkeys are a big thing for Christmas, and we’re hoping to get them for the … close to 200 people on our list,” Feed The Hungry Director Kay Miller said.

The church’s program feeds area families throughout the year, a need Miller said she did not fully understand before taking the helm at Feed the Hungry two years ago.

“I didn’t realize until I started working at Feed The Hungry … that there are that many people in Concordia Parish that are below the poverty level and hungry,” Miller said. “It just blew my mind.”

Once a month, the organization hands out approximately 10,000 to 15,000 to needy families.

The food bank in Alexandria donates food to support the program, and Feed The Hungry also purchases food from the food bank at a discounted rate.

But the organization relies on monetary and food donations from the local community to keep the doors open, Miller said.

“We just appreciate anything anybody does for us to help us fill this need,” she said. “Our church is limited, we are a small congregation. If we don’t get donations, there’s no way we can buy the food.”

Donations can be dropped off at First Assembly of God in Vidalia.

Anyone wishing to donate or volunteer can call 318-336-4050.

Cash or check donations can be sent to P.O. Box 577, Vidalia, LA 71373.