By Kenneth Miller, Publisher
Hollywood Park played host to the drive thru City of Inglewood’s 8th Annual Turkey Giveaway, sponsored by Pepsi at SoFi Stadium parking lot on Nov. 22.
Inglewood residents who were required to register online to receive one of the 2,000 boxes of food, turkey and other assortments arrived as early as 5 a.m. for the 9 a.m. event. Another 500 families received food at the senior center.
“This is definitely a collaboration working with Sabrina Barnes with the City and working with the staff here,” said Jason Witt Sr. Director – Community Affairs and Engagement, SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. “This is really cool because we’re giving out a lot of products, a lot of food, a lot of support to the community at this time when not everybody could afford food during Thanksgiving.”
As more than 250 volunteers signed up to pitch in, Barnes’ City Park staff lending a helping hand, and entertainment provided by the Rams and Chargers, this holiday event has become a staple to officially begin the holiday season.
“We are able to do this, days before Thanksgiving and people are able to leave here today with enough food to feed a whole family.”
For people who may have just showed up without registration there was a trouble shooting lot and after registered families received their supplies, the rest was passed out to those families.
“We told folks to come back at 11:30 a.m. after the registered residents received theirs and what is left will be disbursed then until the supplies are gone,” Witt explained.
Personally, Witt says the event is more important than anything, especially because this signal we are coming around the corner from COVID and I think family becomes more important than anything. I think everybody learned over the past couple of years how important it is to be close to family and one of the main holidays that highlights that is Thanksgiving.”
The turkeys were donated by Don Lee Farms, a bag of sides and additional items from Pepsi and Frito-Lay. It was a drive-thru event for the safety of the residents and those involved.
The City of Inglewood worked with the Rams, the Chargers and the Clippers for the giveaway.
As part of the Thanksgiving giveaway, Pepsi donated cases of Bubly to Inglewood families participating in the drive-thru. Frito-Lay also provided an assortment of products. Other participating partners include Melissa’s, which donated boxes of produce with 5lbs russet potatoes, 2lbs carrots, and 3lbs Granny Smith apples in each box.
In addition to the community partners, the event day will be supported by over 150 community and corporate volunteers.
Rams defensive back David Long Jr. and defensive tackle Michael Hoecht were also in attendance.
The Rams supported the City of Inglewood’s annual Turkey Giveaway at SoFi Stadium, hosted a “Ramsgiving” meal for the Watts Rams youth football program, supported A Place Called Home’s Thanksgiving meal service and turkey distribution and more.
