It’s starting to look a lot like Thanksgiving as traffic increases and frozen turkey giveaways pop up all over Los Angeles. While traffic congestion causes headaches, the turkey drives bring great relief to many residents.
One of several area turkey dinner giveaways took place Tuesday morning in Boyle Heights to coincide with the 43rd annual Miracle on 1st Street Turkey Giveaway and Tree Lighting. Priscilla Hernandez, president of the Hollenbeck Youth Center, is now at the helm of the event, a tradition her father started about 40 years ago and she says the need is greater than ever.
“There has definitely been a greater need this year and especially our registration list is almost completely filled. We get a lot of walk-ins on the day, but this year every turkey that is distributed is just on paper,” said Hernandez.
Ahead of the event, people lined up outside the center as volunteers from Inner-City Games and the Hollenbeck Police Business Council gathered to hand out 1,000 turkeys and groceries for side dishes.
“We’re really excited to bring this to the community and again, it’s not just the turkeys we’re giving, we’re giving everything, the whole turkey dinner,” Hernandez said.
“Because we want them to create memories and not have to worry about how much is on the table and how much it’s going to cost.”
Other turkey giveaways Tuesday in Los Angeles included the Jackson Limo Foundation’s 42nd annual turkey giveaway and the Watts Sweet Alice Turkey Giveaway event where turkeys, gift cards, canned food and clothing were available for those in need.
