Jill Carlston of Salt Lake is affectionately known as "The Turkey Lady," but she's no failure.
Through her leadership and the help of others, she has been able to donate thousands of turkeys to Utah's needy for the holidays.
A registered dietitian in her 50s, she has been doing this good Samaritan feat for the past 17 years. This year, she was able to purchase a record 1,840 turkeys, more than double last year's amount and an incredible amount when compared to her first year that resulted in just 30 gobblers.
Over the years, her efforts have produced more than 28,000 turkey dinners to Utahns in need.
"She makes a huge amount of difference," Gina Cornia, executive director of Utahns Against Hunger, said. "She's a true example of how one person can make a difference in the community."
Carlston has become such a fixture in Utah's battle against hunger, that Utahns Against Hunger titled her holiday-food campaign, "Turkey Lady 2001," with slogans like, "We're looking for a few good turkeys."
She doesn't mind being called the Turkey Lady.
"A turkey on every table. That's my motto," Carlston said. "I feel each person can and should give something back to the community."
As a member of the board of Utahns Against Hunger, Cornia said also Carlston makes a difference year-round. She even does more than provide food to the needy, she instills hope.
Carlston said she experienced that last year when an abused mother was given a turkey basket, courtesy of Carlston's efforts. As the woman left the shelter, she said to Carlston, "I have hope now. I can go on."
Richard and Marjorie Wright, who help Carlston in her efforts, said the only reward she wants is hugs.
"She's a dear lady, a sister to me," Marjorie Wright said.
Carlston lost her own job a few years ago and had to start her career over. Richard Wright said he thought that setback might end her holiday efforts, but she bounced back stronger than ever.
Carlston's turkeys are distributed through about 70 LDS Church wards and end up at shelters, food banks anywhere else they are needed. She doesn't get any compensation for her hundreds of hours of work. All money collected by her goes to purchase turkeys.
"I do this as a private citizen . . . I just keep doing it. I'll probably do it until I die," she said.
Carlston has completed her turkey collections this year, but anyone wanting to help her in future endeavors can contract her through Utahns Against Hunger, 328-2561.
E-MAIL: lynn@desnews.com