Lighthouse Baptist Church in Lehighton serves hundreds of people through its twice-monthly food pantry.

So when Lehighton Ford and the Bo Tkach Foundation teamed to hand out 250 turkeys and a truckload of sides to area churches on Friday, Calvin Mosiman, Lighthouse’s assistant pastor, was happy to participate.

“There is always a need, especially here in Carbon County. Lots of people in need,” Mosiman said.

Lighthouse was one of 16 churches from Lehighton, Palmerton and Jim Thorpe, as well as the nonprofit CareNet, who received turkeys, potatoes and canned vegetables as part of the annual holiday donation. Lehighton Ford employees distributed a literal truckload of food, which the churches then pass along to families in need.

The hope is that the churches will be able to identify the families who can benefit the most from some extra help around the holidays.

“They see the needs on a weekly basis. We don’t. We could put a sign out there that says free turkey giveaway, but who do we know? They know,” said William Klepeiss, general manager of Lehighton Ford.

Lehighton Ford’s annual donation has grown every year. Last year, the Bo Tkach Foundation joined the effort and enabled them to double the amount of churches they served. This year, the two combined to donate about $5,000 worth of food.

Jaime Mendes of Bo Tkach Foundation said credit for the event has to go to the churches who help to get the food to those who need it.

“At the end of the day it’s about helping people. We’re really blessed that we can do this, and just help families,” Mendes said.

For Klepeiss it’s rewarding to hear from the churches how they were able to use the donated food to help those in need. But what’s more important is helping needy families.

“If we’re doing this so we’re noticed, it’s the wrong reason,” Klepeiss said. We’re doing it because we know there’s needy people out there, and they need help, they need food.”