Morongo tribe makes Thanksgiving donations

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians recently donated 15,000 turkeys to non-profit groups, churches, and charities throughout the Inland Empire and Southern California.

The donations, part of the tribe’s annual Thanksgiving Outreach program, will provide an estimated 300,000 meals to families, seniors, and veterans who are in need from Coachella Valley to Los Angeles, according to a statement released Nov. 15.

During the program’s 37-year history, Morongo has given out nearly 200,000 turkeys, enough to provide an estimated 3.8 million meals.

“Our annual Thanksgiving Outreach program is a reflection of our tribe’s core values to help others,” said Charles Martin, tribal chairman, in the statement. “These are challenging times, and we are committed to supporting those in our communities who are struggling.”

To receive turkeys, groups submitted applications to the tribe and were notified in the summer if they were selected. Applications for next year’s turkeys are due this spring.