Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, D-Norwalk, plans to distribute more than 100 turkeys to four area non-profits Monday as part of his annual Operation Gobble event.
The effort will begin at 10 a.m. in Norwalk and end at 2 p.m. in Long Beach.
Charitable organizations are pre-selected to participate in the holiday event. The organizations receive turkeys and trimmings for distribution to needy families. The turkeys were donated by the Golden State Water Co.
This year's participants include the Rio Hondo Temporary Shelter in Norwalk, The Hawaiian Gardens Food Bank, Los Nietos Food Pantry in Whittier and Su Casa Battered Women's Shelter in Long Beach.
"The holidays are a time to reflect and remember families who are less fortunate," Mendoza said in a prepared statement. "I want to make sure families who have been struggling know their community cares and wants to help. This program is just one way, if you are able to give back, I encourage you to seek out non-profits that provide food, clothing and shelter during the holidays."
Mendoza will meet with staff at each of the non-profits as he delivers turkeys and food items.
Mendoza's district includes Norwalk, Buena Park, Cerritos, Santa Fe Springs, Artesia, Hawaiian Gardens and portions of Whittier and Lakewood.
No articles about Pastor Fred Newkirk of 'The Basement Church", who has been passing out turkeys AND all the fixings for twenty or so years. In the 'hoods' of Long Beach! I know because I helped for several years, going to Church members in very poor areas, dropping off a Thanksgiving to be remembered, throughout Long Beach, without the fanfare. And Pastor Fred has never run for any political office.
Continue for the next twenty years or so Assemblyman Tony Mendoza, D-Norwalk and I'll take my hat off to you.
Mike Dorsey
Minneapolis, MN