By Mike Kinney
Four hundred free gift cards will be distributed to needy families for the Thanksgiving holiday at Hilltop Mall on a first-come, first-served basis this Sunday.
Richmond community organizer Antwon Cloird is holding the First Annual David Patrick Underwood Thanksgiving Memorial in the parking lot behind Macy’s from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Green Remedy and Holistic Healing are sponsoring the Thanksgiving gift card giveaway in honor of Underwood, a Pinole native and federal protective service officer who was ambushed and murdered in May while guarding the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building in Oakland during a protest.
“This event will help to keep the spirit of Dave alive,” Cloird said. “He was so beloved and well liked throughout the community. He cared about people and their well-being.”
Recently, a basketball court at Fernandez Park in Pinole, where Underwood grew up playing, was repainted and named in honor of him.
This Sunday’s giveway will provide curbside service to maintain COVID-19 safety.
“Everyone must stay in their vehicle and wear a mask,” Cloird said, adding that after they receive their gift card they must leave.
“So many needy families are facing financial hardships due to the covid-19 pandemic,” Cloird said. “Green Remedy and Holistic Healing have helped make 400 gift cards available to needy families so they can have a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all of the fixings.”
