Pasadena Jaycees and Friends in Deed Aim To Help 300 Local Families in Need This Thanksgiving Season

In what has become a yearly tradition, the Pasadena Junior Chamber of Commerce (Jaycees) is giving out turkeys and other Thanksgiving fixings to families in need this holiday season. 

Jaycees is holding its annual Operation Gobbler fundraiser and food drive on Sunday, Nov. 20 at Friends in Deed, located at 44 E. Washington Blvd in Pasadena.

This will be the Pasadena Jaycees’ 38th year of making Thanksgiving meals possible for Pasadena-area families. Their goal this year is to provide a turkey and other Thanksgiving fixings for about 300 families in need.

In partnership with Friends in Deed, the Pasadena Jaycees are currently seeking donations to provide meals for those families. When Nov. 20 comes, they will be giving away turkeys, pies, and rolls. Families are advised to sign up in advance with Friends in Deed to receive a meal.

“Operation Gobbler is one of my favorite service projects that the Jaycees put on,” Irene Guillen, Pasadena Jaycees President, said. “It is wonderful to have a small part in brightening the holidays of local families with some festive food.”

The Jaycees said 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 10 families.

“Rising inflation and lingering effects of COVID-19 means more families are struggling this year than in the past, and support is needed from the community to make this event possible,” the Pasadena Jaycees said.

Those wanting to help the Operation Gobbler fundraiser can donate via Venmo (@Jaycee-Treasurer), Facebook (facebook.com/pasadenajaycees), or by check addressed to: Pasadena Jaycees, 474 W. Walnut Street, Pasadena, CA 91103.

For more information on how to donate, visit www.pasadenajaycees.org/opgobbler.

The Jaycees are also offering volunteering opportunities for students during Operation Gobbler, as well as during Operation Santa that the organization is launching during the holiday season. Students can find more information and sign up through www.pasadenajaycees.org/highschoolinterns.

The Pasadena Jaycees began in 1929 and have been a volunteer and leadership training organization for people aged 21 to 40 ever since. The Jaycees give members a chance to develop leadership skills through numerous service projects, fundraisers, and social events throughout the year.

Friends in Deed is an interfaith organization that provides supportive services to meet basic human needs, so our homeless and at-risk neighbors can rebuild their lives. To learn more about Friends in Deed, visit www.friendsindeedpas.org.