THANKSGIVING SPIRIT - Yesterday was a very special day for families in need across Northeast Los Angeles, as Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado and her staff distributed between 4,000 and 5,000 turkeys to local residents.
The distribution took place in the rear parking lot of the Highland Park Senior Center. More than a dozen canopies and tables were set up during Friday’s early morning hours by CD 14 staff members all taking place during the rain. Each table listed the names of various organizations including Church groups, schools, Highland Park Recreational Center, Art Snyder Retirement Home and various non-profits that represented Eagle Rock, Highland Park and El Sereno. Also, more than a hundred turkeys were handed out to Seniors at the Highland Park Senior facility.
Each organization arrived at its scheduled time to pick up turkeys at their designated location. Councilwoman Jurado and her staff loaded every vehicle themselves, providing turkeys that each weighed more than 22 pounds.”
I should add that this distribution was exceptionally well organized — truly the best I’ve ever seen.
More importantly the so-called pillars of our community who in past years received handfuls of turkeys only to give out to their families and friends were not included in this distribution. One year, a man from Eagle Rock who had received over a dozen frozen turkeys from Kevin DeLeón forgot he’d stored them in his freezer — and ultimately gave them to a woman who cooked the meat and fed it to her dogs.
Seeing families in need receive a generous turkey for their holiday dinner was truly rewarding. Once the Highland Park distribution was complete, CD 14 and staff headed straight to Boyle Heights to ensure even more households were helped. A shining example of compassion and community spirit in tough times.
(Caroline Aguirre is a retired 24-year State of California law enforcement officer, LAPD family member, community activist and Neighborhood Watch captain. Aguirre is a CityWatch contributor.)
