There are mega-deficits, there are giant deficits, and then there are smaller deficits that really hurt people in need. Consider, if you will, the turkey deficit facing Foodbank of Santa Barbara County.

The deficit was so large that until Nov. 18, some 3,000 local families were in danger of going without this Thanksgiving.

Happily, the situation has changed, with Santa Barbara Bank & Trust’s offer to purchase 700 turkeys, plus gift cards for trimmings, for the Foodbank operations in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria.

The Business Times has just informed Foodbank that we’ll be making a donation of our own and we encourage other area businesses to meet this most basic of all obligations.

Given the state of the economy, we’re not surprised to read of many nonprofits having trouble with fundraising this year. But we’ll bet you a box of stuffing that a better-organized effort could ensure that one of the wealthiest areas on the face of the earth doesn’t run up such a huge turkey deficit next year.

To make your donation, call (805) 967-5741 during business hours or visit one of the FoodBanks’s two locations: 4554 Hollister Ave. in Goleta or 490 W. Foster Road in Santa Maria.

We thank you for your support.

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