Hundreds of turkeys given away to families in Merced ahead of Thanksgiving

MERCED, Calif. (KFSN) -- Hundreds gathered successful Merced connected Tuesday greeting to get a helping manus with their Thanksgiving dinner.

Hostetler Ranches and Joseph Farms were the organizers of the giveaway, making definite families didn't spell without nutrient this vacation season.

Brittany Mederios is 1 of hundreds that gathered astatine the Razzari Ford Dealership successful Merced connected Tuesday to get a escaped turkey for the holidays.

Life has been challenging for Mederios' household and the escaped turkey was a beacon of hope.

"My ma got diagnosed with liver crab connected Saturday. So, it's a lot," said Brittany Medeiros.

Mederios' uncle precocious suffered a stroke, and some her ma and uncle are presently successful the hospital.

Although beingness has been tough, Mederios is optimistic her household volition beryllium unneurotic again soon.

"I conscionable thought they're gonna travel location and person Thanksgiving,"

Free almonds from Hostetler Ranches and food from Joseph Farms were besides disposable for families.

Several organizers made the giveaway imaginable but it was Cathie Hostetler that started this contented astir 30 years ago.

Since her passing successful 2010, her hubby Greg has continued the tradition.

"She near the instauration with wealth to bash things for the assemblage and this happened to beryllium 1 of them that she wanted to proceed on," said Greg Hostetler with Hostetler Ranches.

Vanecia Turner waited successful enactment since 4:30 successful the morning.

She says if it wasn't for this event, her household would astir apt spell without a Thanksgiving meal this year.

"Not to person a turkey, but I'm gonna person a turkey connected my array this year. I'm sorry, you guys, but yeah, convey you Jesus," said Turner.

Organizers accidental they gave retired 500 turkey's astatine this event.

On Wednesday, they program to springiness retired 500 much successful Los Banos.

For quality updates, travel Vince Ybarra connected Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.