SOUTH LAKE TAHOE — Local layoffs and national tragedies spell tough times for many South Shore families this holiday season.

One couple from Honolulu wanted to help.

The Auld family — who requested their first names be undisclosed — is donating 100 Thanksgiving turkeys to families in need.

The Aulds, who also have a residence at Zephyr Cove, spent Monday morning at Raley’s and Christmas Cheer, working out details for their contribution.

One hundred voucher/certificates are available at Christmas Cheer on a first come, first-served basis, to community members in need of a little extra help this year. One does not have to be registered with Christmas Cheer to receive a certificate from the Auld family.

The Aulds’ sponsorship includes a turkey, loaf of bread, pie and some canned vegetables.

“My intention is not to make it a big thing,” said a humble Mr. Auld, who credited Raley’s manager Mike Pate and Christmas Cheer Executive Director Wilma Thomas for their roles in making his plan a reality. “A lot of us want to do something and I feel this is an opportunity to directly affect people and help people at a nice time.”

Mrs. Auld said she hopes people who are short of money this holiday will not let pride stop them from going to Christmas Cheer.

“I think it’s a great gesture on their part,” Pate said.

“I was surprised,” Thomas said. “This is just overwhelming.”

Christmas Cheer is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and vouchers will be given through Wednesday, until they are gone. Families may take certificates to Raley’s before 10 p.m. to redeem their Thanksgiving meal items.

For information, call Christmas Cheer at (530) 542-4934.