MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- As we approach the season of giving, Milwaukee's Hunger Task Force is continuing a tradition to ensure everyone can have a Thanksgiving meal.

CBS 58

Their emergency food pantry network serves nearly 60,000 people every month in the Milwaukee area.

Amid economic hardship, they are seeing the need continue to grow; 15% of those visiting the pantries this year are first-time visitors.

The yearly Turkey Ticker Challenge aims to alleviate some of that stress ahead of the holidays.

Zurn Elkay Water Solutions matches every $15 turkey donation to Hunger Task Force, doubling the impact.

"This reminds us that the season of Thanksgiving is about generosity and gratitude," said Father Zoy Garibay, the ministry director a Capuchin Community Services.

On Thursday, Nov. 12, volunteers sent off more than 2,000 turkeys to 60 local emergency food organizations.

“It’s a special part of our mission to make sure everyone in our community has the opportunity to gather around the table, to have that holiday meal that we all look forward to so much," said Matt King, the CEO of Hunger Task Force. “They’re getting a variety of holiday meal items, including of course, the turkey, but we even have some squash and sweet potatoes, and some of those staple items that make up holiday meals.”

Their partner food pantries lined up outside of their warehouse to load up the dinners, prepared to distribute to families in need.

"For families who are struggling to make ends meet, giving them an opportunity to celebrate this holiday with family members and friends by providing them with nourishing food, with turkeys, goes a long way," said Father Garibay.

The Turkey Ticker Challenge isn't over yet! Zurn Elkay is matching $15 donations toward turkeys all month long.

Click here to donate on Hunger Task Force's website.

For a list of Hunger Task Force's emergency food pantry sites, click here.