Residents living in Dawson County's Chestatee neighborhood hope to spread cheer this holiday season by donating turkeys to the local food pantry.

"This is the third year we decided to have our neighborhood do something to benefit the food bank here in Dawsonville. Our neighbors are very generous," said Barb Dumont.

She, along with her business partners Randy and Sue Wells, collected this year's first turkeys last week and dropped them off at RIC Rack's food pantry, near downtown Dawsonville, on Thursday.

"We put coolers out on our porch and they drop them off for us to deliver them," she said.

They are hoping to collect as many as 60 turkeys for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Bill Fry, food pantry manager, said the donations are greatly appreciated.

"We're obviously seeing a rise of people in need," he said.

The food pantry, which serves more than 300 families each month, depends on support from the community.

"Unfortunately, we don't have the resources to provide all of our families with a turkey, which I'd really like to do. I'm sure some of these families will be without a turkey this holiday," he said.

"Any support from the community is very much appreciated, and to those that are already giving, RIC Rack gives thanks."

For more information, call (706) 265-1371.