Hutt’s turkey giveaway dsitubuted over 1,000 turkeys and fresh produce to countless families.
On Friday, November 17, Councilwoman Heather Hutt gifted over 1,000 turkeys to Council District 10 constituents at the Michelle & Barack Obama Sports Complex on Obama Blvd. in Los Angeles.
The timely event ensured families a turkey and the trimmings for a Thanksgiving dinner this holiday season. Hutt, along with staff, other organizations and numerous volunteers, handed out turkeys, fresh produce and more to recipients on foot and in cars.
Food disparities in Los Angeles are up 24% according to USC’s Dornsife Public Exchange. It’s estimated that 1 in 4 people in a neighborhood face food insecurity in Los Angeles County. The holidays can be a particularly rough time of year as many can’t afford to make a Thanksgiving dinner for their families. This was the main reason Hutt was making sure that she was changing that narrative for residents in Council District 10.
“It’s so amazing,” said Hutt. “I’m so happy to be able to help people.”
She continued, “There are food insecurities in our community and that’s a reality. People have been in line since 6:00 this morning.
“I’m so happy to be able to fulfill their needs. We got food boxes with vegetables, we got turkeys, we’re really here to help.”
Volunteers worked together to make this turkey giveaway a success. Some of the volunteers shared their feelings about the event and being a part of giving families a happy Thanksgiving.
“It’s wonderful, it’s great to be able to give back to communities, to watch so many people coming in,” said Rev. Dr. Frank Oliver, Ecumenical Faith-based Liaison for Council District 10.
“We know food disparity is real big, prices and inflation are going up, and to be able to sit in an office and to be able to field and to hear the needs that they’re having and allow them to be able to have food for their families — I think that this is wonderful and one of the highlights of the job that we do,” he said.
Turkeys were also given to local fire departments and churches who held food distributions over the weekend. They recently distributed over 300 food boxes to West Angeles Church of God in Christ according to Oliver.
“We’ll be loading up for five major churches who have community development corporations and we’re going to be able to give out to them,” said Rev. Oliver.
“We’re here to giveaway turkeys and supplies for everyone to make a holiday dinner,” said volunteer Cody Lewis. “This is just wonderful. We’re giving away so much and they won’t stop coming.”
The community also expressed their gratefulness for the turkey giveaway. They stopped their cars to speak with the Sentinel and share their gratitude.
“I am very pleased with this event,” said one recipient of a turkey.
“I’m so grateful to be fortunate enough to receive this,” said Maria T. “It’s helping me and my family.”
“I thank God that I was able to come down here and get it and I’m going to share it with somebody else,” said another turkey recipient.
“Heather Hutt and CD10 are the greatest,” said Eunice S. “They support this community all the time, I love them.”
“I really think what they’re doing for the community is very nice for those who need help like myself,” said Michael C. “Thank you very much for your time and your effort.”
