Turkeys, cheese and almonds will go to families in Merced, Los Banos

It’s been about a month since the last turkey giveaway, but local business owners are planning again to pass out free food in time for Christmas dinner.

Free turkeys will be distributed to less fortunate families at 2 p.m. Monday at the Los Banos Fairgrounds, 403 F St. in Los Banos. And the same is planned at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Merced County Fairgrounds, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Merced.

Hostetler Ranches will distribute 500 turkeys and 500 bags of almonds at both sites, with a limit of one per household. Sweetening the pot this time around are Joseph Gallo Farms owners Mike and Lori Gallo, who have contributed 1,000 pounds of cheese for the families looking for a helping hand.

Organizers said those waiting in line for the food need identification, so that they can ensure one bundle of food per household.

Greg Hostetler, owner of Hostetler Ranches, has been organizing the giveaways for more than 30 years, he said. The events are in memory of his wife, who died four years ago. Hostetler has said it was her wish to carry on the tradition to help others.

The giveaways happen just before Thanksgiving and Christmas each year. Santa and Mrs. Claus are also supposed to make an appearance at each site.

For more information, email HostetlerTurkeys@gmail.com.

This story was originally published December 19, 2014 at 2:22 PM with the headline "Turkeys, cheese and almonds will go to families in Merced, Los Banos."