LANCASTER, Pa. - For more than two decades, a Lancaster County program has helped people in need during the holiday season. But this year, they're the ones in need of help. Organizers with Project for the Needy say they need donations.
On Christmas Eve, the program helps hundreds receive a free holiday meal at Clipper Stadium. They will be able to help people this year, however, the avian influenza outbreak that hit the U.S. is causing a rise in turkey prices-- which is included in the program's meals. LCPN is now having a hard time making up the cost for the turkeys.
"We had a big increase of turkey, it's gone up 32 percent, which caused our budget to go up 12 thousand dollars," Project Chairman Ton Fasnacht said, "so it's really hurt us from that standpoint, but contributions are good, although we could use more donations to help make up that difference."
Last year, the program help more than 15 hundred people during the free giveaway.