A young volunteer poses for a photo after serving Thanksgiving meals to Central Long Beach families during Councilman Dee Andrews' annual Serving with a Thankful Heart event at McBride Park on Monday, November 25, 2019. Photo by Stephanie Rivera.

Central Long Beach community members were treated to free Thanksgiving meals and turkeys just days before the holiday thanks to the efforts of local leaders and volunteers.

On Saturday, Long Beach nonprofit Local Hearts Foundation, in partnership with skateboard company Diamond Supply, gave away over 1,000 turkeys and 3,000 products at MacArthur Park, according to Tito Rodriguez, the nonprofit’s founder.

Rodriguez said it was the biggest event to date.

On Monday, 6th District Councilman Dee Andrews held his annual Serving with a Thankful Heart banquet at McBride Park.

Volunteers included leaders including Rep. Alan Lowenthal, Police Chief Robert Luna and acting city manager Tom Modica.

The annual event included two sittings, lunch and dinner, and involved a hotel-quality banquet thanks to partners like the Hilton and Hyatt hotels.

Volunteers pose for a photo in between serving Thanksgiving meals to Central Long Beach families during Councilman Dee Andrews’ annual Serving with a Thankful Heart event at McBride Park on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. Photo by Stephanie Rivera.
Community members eat Thanksgiving meals during Councilman Dee Andrews’ annual Serving with a Thankful Heart event at McBride Park on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. Photo by Stephanie Rivera.
Volunteers helped serve Thanksgiving meals to Central Long Beach families during Councilman Dee Andrews’ annual Serving with a Thankful Heart event at McBride Park on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. Photo by Stephanie Rivera.
Volunteers of all ages helped serve Thanksgiving meals to Central Long Beach families during Councilman Dee Andrews’ annual Serving with a Thankful Heart event at McBride Park on Monday, Nov. 25, 2019. Photo by Stephanie Rivera.

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Stephanie Rivera is the community engagement editor. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter at @StephRivera88.