Morongo tribes makes annual Thanksgiving donation

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has donated 15,000 turkeys to non-profit groups, churches and charities from across Southern California.

That’s the most the tribe has ever given out in its annual Thanksgiving Outreach Program, which is marking its 36th anniversary this year, according to a statement.

This year’s donation will provide approximately 300,000 holiday meals to families, seniors and veterans in need. Since its beginning, the outreach program has given away more than 175,000 turkeys, enough for 3.5 million meals.

“Morongo launched our Thanksgiving Outreach program more than three decades ago to help those struggling to put food on the table,” said Tribal Chairman Charles Martin in the statement. “The last couple of years have presented unprecedented challenges for so many, and we are humbled to be in the position to help those in need.”

The turkeys were distributed Monday. Recipients included food pantries, churches, homeless shelters, schools and veteran groups, according to the statement.