With volunteers hard at work preparing meals and bell ringers spreading out across the Valley collecting donations, the Salvation Army's efforts to keep people warm and fed are in overdrive.

But with the holiday season upon us, it's bad timing for inflation to be in overdrive too.

"This year because of inflation, the price of turkeys, and a lot of other issues we're having to do sliced turkey," says Major Paul Moore of the Mahoning County Salvation Army.

This year's traditional turkey dinner will look a bit different, and rising costs have him watching every dollar a little closer.

"We do get help from the Second Harvest Food Bank and we're very grateful, but if we have to buy any meat or anything by ourselves it's very difficult to find what we need," said Moore.

The squeeze is getting tight at the Warren Family Mission, too.

"We are budgeting for our gas bill to double on the buildings and we have six buildings," says director Dom Mararri. "We have six vehicles traveling throughout the week just to keep food coming and going to the Mission...we've had to increase wages for our employees so they can deal with the cost of inflation, but then for us to offer a competitive wage."

Mararri says utility and internet costs are an issue too.
But despite all the inflation hurdles, Valley nonprofits say the generosity of the folks who live here will be the rising tide that keeps so many afloat.

The Salvation Army on Glenwood Ave. will be holding a free drive-thru Thanksgiving dinner on Tuesday from 11:30am to 1pm.

The Warren Family Mission is seeking donations of turkeys, stuffing, butter, mashed potatoes, gravy and other turkey day basics. The Mission's free community Thanksgiving dinner is Wednesday from 12 to 4pm.