One thousand local families identified as needing assistance by community-based organizations received a $75 gift certificate to Ralphs/Food4Less and a bag of traditional Thanksgiving food items, courtesy of Kinecta Federal Credit Union’s (Kinecta) 45th Annual Holiday Food Drive held at Jesse Owens Park Gymnasium in Los Angeles on Sunday, November 18.
Now in its 45th year, the Food Drive is an opportunity for employees of Kinecta to partner with more than 40 nonprofit organizations and churches to provide temporary relief to families in need during the holiday season. In the months leading up to the distribution day, Kinecta also received donations for the food from Kinecta’s branches and from the credit union’s generous vendors and partners.
On hand at the event to recognize the collaborative effort between Kinecta and community partners were nationally recognized Watts community activist, “Sweet” Alice Harris and U.S. Representative Maxine Waters (D—CA).
“We are honored to carry on the tradition of providing holiday food and gift cards to local families in need,” said Kinecta Chief Operating Officer Donna McNeely. “Each year, our employees and community partners work together to give back to communities where Kinecta’s members, customers, and employees live, work, and worship. It’s a tremendous and worthwhile effort.”
The event began with a brief presentation from Kinecta, followed by a vocal performance by Beyond the Lights Choir from King Drew Medical Magnet High School. Families then presented their vouchers to their respective nonprofits, and, after a seamless distribution, participants enjoyed free ice cream from the Kinecta Ice Cream Truck.
Among the community organizations participating in this year’s Annual Holiday Food Drive were: Centro de Niños, Drew League, El Centro Del Pueblo, King Drew Magnet Medical High School, My Sister My Friend BCS, Parents of Watts, Richstone Family Center, Salvation Army of Compton, South Bay Family Health Care Clinic, Thomas House Family Shelter, Training and Research Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10218, Watts/Willowbrook Boys & Girls Club, and Watts/Century Latino Organization.
“We have much to be grateful for,” said McNeely. “Kinecta wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!”
