MACHIAS – Thanksgiving on Nov. 23 is still four weeks out, but it’s time to think turkey.

Several area businesses are serving next week as drop-off points for $11 donations that will help provide as many as 1,000 turkeys for Washington County families in need.

This is the second year for the Turkey-a-thon. Calais radio station WQDY conducted the drive last year for families in Calais, Eastport and Baileyville, working with local food pantries. More than 700 turkeys were distributed.

This time, the turkey drive is expanding to include Machias- and Lubec-area families as well – and the new goal is 1,000 turkeys.

The drive takes place between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3. Designated businesses will accept $11 donations that will be used as gift certificates for turkeys. The locations include:

. Machias, Downeast Federal Credit Union.

. Lubec, Lyon’s IGA.

. Eastport, R&M IGA.

. Calais, at several downtown locations.

. Baileyville, Thriftway.

The $11 donations will be converted to gift certificates that families and individuals can pick up at their local food pantries. The certificates will be honored at local grocery stores for either the Thanksgiving or Christmas holidays and even into early 2007.

A certificate allows for the purchase of a roughly 16-pound turkey, based on a price of 69 centsa pound, said Jeff Demmons of WQDY.

Washington County’s two Healthy Maine Partnership programs – DownEast Healthy Tomorrows and St. Croix Healthy Communities – are co-sponsoring the promotion.

For information, call Eleody at 733-4760, Jeff at 454-7545, or Billie Jo at 454-0761.