Brentwood Mayor Bob Taylor wants to help people help each other, and he’s willing to wear feathers to prove it.

Taylor this week embarked on what he calls “The Mayor is a Turkey” Fundraiser, collecting donations of $8 at a time to benefit the Brentwood Regional Community Chest (BRCC) Christmas Basket program.

“I don’t want $10 or $20,” he said. “I want $8 per person. That will buy one turkey for one family. I want to make it as personal a gift as I can, so $8 is it.”

Taylor said his goal is to buy 300 turkeys, and if he makes his goal, he’ll don a turkey suit and attend the BRCC packing event at Brentwood Elementary School on Dec. 18. His progress will be regularly updated in the Press.

Taylor is confident he’ll be successful.

“I started this Monday, and I’ve already sold 25 turkeys,” Taylor said at Tuesday’s city council meeting. “Nobody can resist. Some people think the mayor is already a turkey, and they think I should dress like one, too.”

Immediately following Taylor’s remarks, BRCC secretary Lill Pierce (who was in the audience) was handed donations by Brentwood Chamber of Commerce CEO Harry York and City Councilman Chris Becnel. As of Press time, the total had reached 38 donations.

Cash donations can be dropped off at the Brentwood Press office, 248 Oak Street in Brentwood. Checks should be written to BRCC, and can be dropped off or mailed to P.O. Box 845, Brentwood CA 94513. Donations are tax-deductible; the BRCC ID number is 94-73204667.

“This is a clever, fun and hopefully effective way to help us take care of the 500 families the community helps through this program every year,” said BRCC vice president Rick Lemyre. “We thank the mayor for doing this, and we look forward to seeing him served up, with all the trimmings, in December.”