By Mike Kinney
Phila Burger Station, which serves up some of East Bay’s best burgers, is also a place where local families in need can fetch free turkeys and all the fixings ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
On Sunday, community organizations and volunteers gathered to host the fourth annual charity event in the parking lot of the popular burger restaurant at 1100 23rd St.
About 250 turkeys were passed out to families and individuals in need. In addition to the take-home turkeys, attendees enjoyed other food giveaways, including from the popular mobile food truck Loaded Chicken, as well as Lalos Asada’s from Oakland, which brought a grill to cook up BBQ chicken with mac and cheese and coleslaw. Taquiza’s Montoya from Pittsburg served up tasty baked beans and corn on the cob as well.
Attendees could also enjoy live music and free haircuts from Kenneth Murray, owner of Division 1 Barber Lounge in Rodeo.
The giveaway got its start when Alex Valencia, owner of local small businesses Rosita’s Envios and Cloud-9, approached Phila Burger Station owner Sam Lee about holding it in the restaurant parking lot.On Sunday, Valencia noted how the event is growing each year.
“These are hard times for families and our community is getting more involved to help be of holiday assistance to these families and individuals who come here,” he 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, Harencida de la Bahia, Pollo Don Rafa, Madriz Tree Landscaping, El Mexicano Deli, Amigo Tire, Sgt. Virgil Thomas and Family, Rosita’s Envios, Bay Area Peacekeepers, Bob’s Cleaners and Official Saucy Apparel @ Alarturo61.
