As the holidays approach, local organizations are asking for your help to brighten the season for neighbors in need.

BANK NEEDS BIRDS. BADLY

The Idaho Foodbank wants every Treasure Valley family in need to have a turkey for Thanksgiving.

Current demand for turkeys greatly exceeds the supply, food bank officials say. They've gotten 9,358 requests for turkeys, hams and chickens and have only 3,810 on hand.

There are numerous drop sites around the Valley where you can donate a frozen turkey. Find the list at www.idahofood bank.org. You can also drop off donations at any Les Schwab tire store or at RC Willey.

HAVE A BOWL TO FILL?

The Idaho Foodbank's always popular "Empty Bowls" fundraiser - where you can pay $10 and up, choose a bowl, get it filled with delicious soup, and keep the bowl - marks its 11th anniversary this year, Friday, Nov. 28, on the Grove Plaza.

The food bank still needs 600 bowls to reach its goal of 2,000, not to mention four to five more gallons of soup donated from local restaurants. The food bank will accept bowls until Friday, Nov. 21, although sooner is better.

Mai Tai, Emilio's, La Vie En Rose, Leku Ona, Asiago's, Chef Lou's on 8th Street and Gino's are among the eateries that have already stepped up. Sen.-elect Nicole LeFavour, Councilman Alan Shealy, and Sally Zive, chief executive officer of United Way of Treasure Valley, are among the speakers.

Can you help? Contact Shauna Spencer at Idaho Foodbank: sspencer@idahofoodbank.org. or 336-9643, ext. 259.

SHARE THE DAY HOMELESS AWARENESS EVENT

The Region III Housing Coalition holds its 6th annual Share the Day event Friday, Nov. 21, at the WICAP in Caldwell, 521 S. Kit Road.

The event offers Thanksgiving dinner, winter clothes, support services and resources. The coalition is asking for donations of clean or new blankets, sleeping bags, heavy jackets and coats and other winter clothing for adults and children.

Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: 454-0675.

CAN YOU DONATE A THANKSGIVING DINNER?

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Ada County Catholic Parishes, All Saints Episcopal Church and Immanuel Lutheran Church are asking for donations of food or cash to buy food, for holiday food boxes.

To find out how to help, call 392-0218. Food boxes will be collected Sunday, Nov. 23, for distribution Nov. 24-25 at Expo Idaho fairgrounds in Garden City.

To receive a food box, you must live in Ada County and have two or more people living in your household. Each person must have an ID. Register from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, and Monday through Friday, Nov. 21, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 811 S. Latah, Boise.

HELP OUT AT THE CAZBA

The 8th annual Cazba Thanksgiving dinner is 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Cazba Restaurant, 211 N. 8th St., Boise.

More than 300 people show up each year for a turkey dinner with all the trimmings, all provided by volunteer chefs who cook turkeys, mashed potatoes, green beans and pies that will be served during the day.

Want to pitch in? Call the Cazba: 381-0222 or e-mail Trisha Elrod, trisha@moonriverwines.com or call 342-8300.

Anna Webb: 377-6431