File photo: Tito Rodriguez, also known as Hood Santa of the Local Hearts Foundation, stacks boxes of frozen turkeys for the Diamonds and Turkeys giveaway event in Long Beach in 2018. Courtesy photo.

Thanksgiving (like the rest of 2020) will be different this year. With COVID-19 cases back on the rise, officials are urging people to keep their gatherings small and with immediate family only and Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued a travel advisory.

But with all that, many people still need help getting a hot meal on the table, so here are a few places where you can get help or offer help.

Local Hearts Turkey Giveaway

Local Hearts Foundation, run by Tito Rodriguez or “Hood Santa,” will be back this year with another massive turkey giveaway in Central Long Beach. An estimated 1,000 families will be able to get a bird.

The distribution is on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Homeland Cultural Center, 1321 E. Anaheim St.

Those who want to volunteer or donate, go to their website here.

Feed the City Turkey Giveaway

In the annual Feed the City Turkey Giveaway, local organizations will be donating 200 Thanksgiving turkeys and meals to families in need. Sign up at [email protected]

for one turkey per family. Pick-up will be on Nov. 24 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Boys and Girls Clubs, 1920 Lemon Ave.

Christian Outreach in Action

Christian Outreach in Action is taking applications for families in need to give away Thanksgiving food baskets until Nov. 16.

Call 562-432-1440 or visit their website to apply. Those approved will be notified with instructions for pick-up on Nov. 20 or 23.

COA is also providing a Thanksgiving lunch to those in need on Nov. 25 from noon to 1 p.m. at 515 E. Third St. The meals will be served in to-go containers.

If you want to donate, COA is looking for turkey donations for their baskets and lunches. Donations can be dropped off at their location at 515 E. Third. St. Contact COA for more information.

 

Valerie Osier is the Social Media & Newsletter Manager for the Long Beach Post. Reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @ValerieOsier