Let's talk turkey.
Believe it or not, Thanksgiving is just two weeks from today.
The quickly approaching holiday season is catching people off guard, and our warmer than usual start to Fall may be one reason why.
Organizations in Northeast Ohio, like the Salvation Army, are seeing the impact of our nicer fall weather. Turns out not too many of their clients are thinking about the holidays right now.
The "Boys of Summer" were still on the field in Cleveland into late October, and we had summer-like temperatures to match.
"When the weather is as beautiful as it has been people are not thinking Christmas yet - they think they have a lot of time," said Major Lurlene-Kay Johnson, Salvation Army.
But time is quickly running out for families looking for holiday help from the Salvation Army. Every year, around this time, the organization starts taking requests for its Christmas gift assistance program.
"Last year we helped just under 4,000 children," said Johnson.
This year, a surprise. Fewer children are registered to receive support.
"We know the need is up because the numbers in our programs are up," added Johnson.
Across town at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, they're also keeping tabs on the temps.
"When the weather is really nice often people aren't thinking about those basic needs like housing and food," said Jamie Sullivan, Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
Sullivan says if it stays mild through the month they will see a downturn in donations.
This at a time the food bank is trying to recover from a $300,000 hit it took during the presidential election.
"Starting last year at the holiday season -- so we realized a lot of people were giving to candidates last year," said Sullivan.
Back at the Salvation Army, a final call for families that could use a helping hand this holiday season -- and there are quite a few.
"We're finding that our numbers are about 34% behind last year, so we're going to offer another make-up date next week," said Sullivan.
If your family or one you know needs help, you can sign up at the Salvation Army's Miles Park location next Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
