By Mike Kinney
Community groups and volunteers will gather at Phila Burger Station in Richmond for a fourth year in a row this Sunday, Nov. 20 to pass out 200 turkeys with all the fixings to local residents in need of Thanksgiving assistance.
The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Phila Burger Station, 1100 23rd St. in Richmond.
The effort began when Alex Valencia, owner of local small businessers Rosita’s Envios and Cloud-9, approached Phila Burger Station owner Sam Lee about holding a charitable giveaway in the restaurant parking lot.
“We really want to thank all of our volunteers and sponsors for making this all possible for the community,” Valencia said.
Lee noted the important timing for the event.
“There is such a real need this year to be able to help assist families and make sure they have the turkeys and needed food items to have a good Thanksgiving,” Lee said.
Gonzalo Rucobo, who runs Bay Area Peace Keepers, applauded the efforts of “younger adults” like Valencia who have been stepping up to help feed the community during the Thanksgiving holiday.
“Times are hard for families right now and it’s great to see how the younger adults are making all of these wonderful things happen for our community,” Rucobo said.
The lengthy list of sponsors contributing to this year’s event include La Differencia Car Club, Richmond Fire Fighters Local 188, Richmond Wholesale, Richmond Tire, Living Hope Neighborhood Church, Lalos Asados, Kiwanis Club, Brown Berets, El Chaparro, Harencia de la Bahis, Pollo Don Rafa, Madriz Tree Landscaping, El Mexicano Deli, Amigo Tire, Sgt. Virgil Thomas and Family, Rosita’s Envios, Bay Area Peace Keepers, Bob’s Cleaners and Official Saucy Apparel @ Alarturo61.