Local Charities Team Up for ‘Operation Gobbler’

Pasadena Jaycees Board Members Irene Guillen and Crystal Diaz pack up rolls for the 2020 ‘Operation Gobbler’ event. (Credit: Pasadena Jaycees)

In a tradition running for more than three decades, the Pasadena Junior Chamber of Commerce, or Jaycees, and Friends In Deed are preparing to brighten the holidays of nearly 300 families in need by providing complete Thanksgiving meal boxes.

“Operation Gobbler” volunteers will place turkeys, rolls, pies and other traditional favorites into packages for distribution to local families on Nov. 21 at Friends In Deed, 44 E. Washington Blvd., the Jaycees said in a written statement.

Pasadena’s Jaycees President Phillip Arce shows off a turkey and rolls at the 2020 ‘Operation Gobbler’ event. (Credit: Pasadena Jaycees)

Donations are needed to support the effort, which Pasadena Jaycees member Hayley Olmsted said is always memorable for the club.

“A few years ago I was fortunate enough to work the front lines at Operation Gobbler, passing out food to families who benefited from the project,” Olmsted said. “Seeing the joy and gratitude from everyone as we give them the ingredients to celebrate the holiday is an unbelievably rewarding experience.”

Families must sign up with Friends in Deed in advance to receive a meal.

“A $30 ‘No Small Sweet Potatoes’ donation supports one family; a $120 ‘Pumpkin Pie in the Sky’ donation supports four families and a $300 ‘Big Turkey’ donation supports ten families,” according to the statement.

Donations can be made via PayPal, Venmo or check, representatives said.

More information is available online at pasadenajaycees.org/opgobbler.