The Office of Hilda Solis generously donates turkey meals to families in need each Thanksgiving as part of “Operation Gobble Gobble,” an outreach initiative providing a hearty feast for those identified by community programs as needing support. This year, many families are struggling and facing the holidays mask-on due to COVID-19.
Fourteen Trinity Youth Services resource families received Thanksgiving meals this year from this initiative. Foster parents, out of the kindness of their hearts, put a lot of their own resources into raising children in need as they would their own. But sometimes, they aren’t able to give the great feast they would hope to give the children in their care. Outreach like Hilda Solis’ “Operation Gobble Gobble” helps resource families provide a memorable meal.
In a statement, LA County Supervisor Hilda Solis said, “Operation Gobble Gobble in the East San Gabriel Valley, is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of a true team. Through funding that I provided, and sponsorships from various stakeholders, 1,070 families will have a warm meal to enjoy this Thanksgiving holiday.”
With the help of San Gabriel Valley Water Co., volunteers including the police department and various stakeholders, over a thousand turkeys and food boxes were distributed to families from the San Gabriel Valley.
Eve Powers, Trinity Youth Services representative and former foster youth, accepted the contribution with gratitude on behalf of the agency. She then delivered the meals to our fantastic families who could use the extra help, especially this year. The contributions were in such abundance, Eve could barely fit it all in her car. Luckily the amazing volunteers were able to help pack everything for our families. Trinity Youth Services and our families are so thankful for the Office of Hilda Solis remembering the children in our care.
We’d like to wish everyone a happy and safe Thanksgiving filled with love and family, even if that means Zooming in to the family gathering this year. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season!
Jenelle Phillips, Director of Development
Jenelle’s role is to identify and access resources for youth in our care. She is also responsible for maintaining a distinctive look and voice for Trinity through our online presence, media and community outreach. Before joining the Trinity team in 2016, Jenelle worked in the newspaper/magazine industry for nearly a decade as an award-winning graphic designer, photographer, writer and editor. Jenelle earned a bachelor’s degree in communications at California State University Fullerton. Jenelle is very involved in the community and is active in her church.
Building strong, happy and successful communities is what Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis does best. Each year, she takes an active role in supporting her community for the holidays through “Operation Gobble Gobble,” a program that helps families in need throughout Los Angeles County. “Thanksgiving cannot be complete without us giving back to our communities. Whether it is through a basket full of food, a turkey, or a home-cooked meal, everyone should be able to enjoy this holiday season with their friends and loved ones.
Operation Gobble Gobble is a true testament to the collaboration and partnership we have in the County. Thank you to Trinity Youth Services for being a great Operation Gobble Gobble partner, but also for all the work they do to support foster youth throughout the year,” said Supervisor Solis.
In its fifth year, the popular program is providing turkeys, monetary donations and other resources to local community agencies. Trinity Youth Services, a nationally accredited Foster Care and Adoptions Agency in Los Angeles County, was chosen to receive 12 turkeys and accompanying side dishes for their foster families to enjoy this holiday season. Family mealtime is very therapeutic for children, especially for foster youth.
According to a recent study, when children eat meals with a family, it provides them with a sense of security and a feeling of belonging. Trinity Youth Services would like to thank Supervisor Hilda Solis for making the holidays special for our amazing families, and for helping them stay connected to the children who are dear to their hearts.
To find out more about Trinity Youth Services or to begin your journey to becoming a foster or adoptive parent, click here.
Florence Edwards, Foster Care Marketing Specialist
Florence has a strong commitment to helping foster youth and their families thrive and live successful lives. A former foster youth, Florence obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Communications from California State University, San Bernardino, and is a certified Holistic Life Coach, motivational writer, self-help author and celebrity interviewer. Beyond the Trinity Youth Services blog, Florence’s articles can be found in numerous platforms including Foster Focus Magazine, Heart & Soul Magazine, BET Centric and Huffington Post. A passionate advocate for the LGBTQ community, Florence continues to educate, support and mentor foster youth throughout Southern California.
