Two problems might create one solution

It’s been recently reported that the Wasilla Senior Center is having some financial difficulties and is making cutbacks in services. One is called conglomerate meals where seniors in the facility can meet people who don’t live there for a meal and conversation. That seems like a good way to create a social outlet for many who are homebound at the center.

Not far down the road is another problem, although of a private sector nature.

Anthony Schmidt, owner of Triple D Farm, has a surplus of turkeys on hand. Due to great sales the year before, he ordered more birds than usual for the 2008 Thanksgiving feasts.

Along the way a couple of things happened.

One, the economy went south and a lot of people opted not to order the home-grown turkeys. They do cost a bit more than the frozen lumps in the freezer aisle.

And two, there was public flap that occurred when Governor Palin pardoned a turkey while KTUU filmed another one being slaughtered in the background. Actually seeing how a bird is prepared for the table can make even the staunchest omnivore squeamish. He lost some sales that way.

As a result, Schmidt called in to say he was thinking about giving turkeys away before they thaw.

It seems like some of those turkeys could go to the Wasilla Senior Center. And the Palmer center as well. And there are likely food banks around the Valley that would like some of the birds.

Many of us turn into great givers during the holidays so everyone can have a meal at Thanksgiving or Christmas and like holidays. But people are hungry every day throughout they year and if they or an agency don’t have the resources, they stay hungry.

It seems like Schmidt should open his freezers to senior centers, food banks, churches and similar agencies because they are geared toward helping lots of people, not just individuals who could drive up to Schmidt’s place with their hand out.

While giving the turkeys away will not pay the feed bill, perhaps Schmidt could get receipts from the charities and those records would help ward off the tax man when he comes calling. And the charities who know how to stretch a dollar, or a turkey, would get some wholesome, Alaska-grown food for their patrons. Those people would probably enjoy an open-faced turkey-and-gravy sandwich while chatting with a friend or family member.

And if you can afford a turkey, think about supporting a local grower.