With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today during our fall member drive.
Jackson family turkey giveaway celebrates 35th anniversary
Listen
• 5:27
File: People line up to receive Thanksgiving meals during Jackson Limousine's 30th annual turkey giveaway on Nov. 20, 2012 in Los Angeles.
(
Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
)
In 1982, a group of South L.A. senior citizens approached Jackson Limousine Service owner E.J. Jackson, telling him they couldn't afford Thanksgiving dinner. He bought 100 turkeys for them.
Tuesday morning marks the 35th anniversary of the beloved tradition of the Jackson Limousine Turkey Giveaway, continuing on following Jackson's death of a heart attack last year.
Over the years, the number of turkeys given away grew. When KPCC spoke with Jackson in 2010, amidst the Great Recession, he was giving away 10,000 turkeys a year.
Even though Jackson died, his tradition of generosity lives on through his son TyRon. He told KPCC's Nick Roman he's thrilled his father's legacy will continue.
Support for LAist comes from
"My dad planted a seed of goodness, he planted seeds of hope. I'm so happy those seeds are sprouting," he said.
This year's event will take place at Jackson Limousine Service at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Along with giving away turkeys, volunteers will be handing out a full Thanksgiving dinner — complete with cornbread, greens, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, fresh produce and more.
TyRon also spearheads a project of his own: Operation Warm Wishes. The organization will host a Thanksgiving meal on Thursday at Peppertree Park in Tustin.
TyRon and volunteers will serve the free three-course meal from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Attendees can enjoy desserts, a kids tent, live music, a live broadcast of the football game as well as services like haircuts, clothing giveaways and dog grooming.
"So many people have been knocked down," TyRon said. "I want this to be a day we can uplift people and give them hope."
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight. -
Flauta, taquito, tacos dorados? Whatever they’re called, they’re golden, crispy and delicious. -
If California redistricts, the conservative beach town that banned LGBTQ Pride flags on city property would get a gay, progressive Democrat in Congress. -
Most survivors of January's fires face a massive gap in the money they need to rebuild, and funding to help is moving too slowly or nonexistent. -
Kevin Lacy has an obsession with documenting California’s forgotten and decaying places. -
Restaurants share resources in the food hall in West Adams as Los Angeles reckons with increasing restaurant closures.
Best of LAist