While friends and families gather to enjoy a meal for Thanksgiving, some people in Long Beach may need some extra help this year. These Thanksgiving giveaways from local organizations are giving residents free turkeys and other foods, so they can put a holiday meal together.
Most of the giveaways consist of one turkey per family, but one on Friday and one on Saturday are providing sides and veggies to complete the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Take note which giveaways require advance registration.
Those without a place to go or a kitchen to cook in can still enjoy a holiday feast with Christian Outreach in Action on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. People experiencing homelessness in Long Beach are invited to a community lunch the day before Thanksgiving at MacArthur Park.
Friday, Nov. 23
IDSGT Turkey Giveaway – 9 a.m. at the Museum of Latin American Art parking lot (628 Alamitos Ave.).
This turkey giveaway is hosted by local nonprofit I Did Something Good Today, and is open to everyone in the community on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a one-turkey-per-family limit. TV and radio personality Nautica de la Cruz will also host the event. Visit IDSGT.org or call (562) 213-9353 for more details.
Local Hearts Foundation Turkey Giveaway – 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Long Beach’s Homeland Cultural Arts Center (1321 E Anaheim St.).
The Hood Santa and Local Hearts Foundation will be giving away thousands of turkeys to families on a first-come, first-served basis.
Harvest of Gratitude Turkey Giveaway – 11 a.m. at 455 W. Willow St. Suite #3
The Center for Family Health and Education will be giving away 250 turkeys at this giveaway, while supplies last. To reserve a turkey, register on Eventbrite. There will be a limit of one turkey per household.
Fresh Food Baskets – 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the G-2 parking lot at Cal State Long Beach (1250 Bellflower Blvd.).
Friends of Puvungna will give away baskets of produce. The organization asks that people show up no earlier than 2:30 p.m. For more information, email Friendsofpuvungna@gmail.com.
Sunday, Nov. 24
3rd Annual Thanksgiving Food Giveaway – Noon to 3 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Park (1950 Lemon Ave.).
This event will provide free Thanksgiving meals to District 6 residents, including turkey, ham, sides, desserts and drinks. Registration through Eventbrite is required. Free.
Wednesday, Nov. 27
Thanksgiving Pop-Up Lunch for homeless residents – 11 a.m. at MacArthur Park (132 E Anaheim St.).
Project Dignity, in partnership with Janice Hahn’s office, will host a community lunch the day before Thanksgiving for those experiencing homelessness. No registration is required. For those who are interested in volunteering at the lunch, or have further questions, please contact Pan at (714) 293-8043.
Saturday, Nov. 30
Thanksgiving Feast – 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Christian Outreach in Action (515 E Third St.).
Those who were unable to enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday can gather with neighbors at Christian Outreach in Action’s (COA) Thanksgiving Feast, complete with turkey and all the trimmings. No advance registration is required. COA will also be distributing blessing bags full of groceries, with cooking or non-cooking options, on the same day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
