Temecula-Based Charity Receives Thanksgiving Donation From Morongo

TEMECULA, CA — Thousands of turkeys were sent to food pantries and other nonprofits in the Inland Empire this week, including the Temecula-Based Western Eagle Foundation. The donation is part of a decades-old charitable program operated by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.

Approximately 15,000 turkeys are being donated to provide roughly 300,000 dinners throughout the region as part of the annual Morongo Thanksgiving Outreach. Each turkey will be part of Thanksgiving meals to be served to those in need.

"Morongo launched our Thanksgiving Outreach program more than three decades ago to help those struggling to put food on the table," tribal Chairman Charles Martin said. "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."

Since the program began, more than 175,000 turkeys have been donated, officials said.

This year's distribution effort started Monday and will continue until Wednesday at the Morongo Community Center in Banning.

A total of 116 organizations are on the donation list, including:

• Victory Outreach Church in Banning,
• Carol's Kitchen in Beaumont,
• St. Elizabeth of Hungary Food Pantry in Desert Hot Springs,
• Healing & Hope for the Homeless in Los Angeles
• Western Eagle Foundation of Temecula.

Temecula-based Western Eagle Foundation, who has long served veteran and military families in Southwest Riverside County. The foundation is once again grateful for the tribe's efforts, according to CEO Todd Sieja.

Since the 1980s, thousands have had better Thanksgivings due to the tribe's consistent donations.

"Morongo's generosity never ceases to surprise our military families, especially during the Holiday Season," Sieja said. "Year after year, they help provide delicious Thanksgiving meals for our veterans to enjoy and share with their loved ones."

According to Pastor Victor Archuleta at Victory Outreach Church, "Morongo's Thanksgiving Outreach has been the gift that keeps on giving to the families in need across the San Gorgonio Pass. The blessing of a warm meal from Morongo provides a light of hope to many who are struggling."

Karen Collins, a volunteer at Healing & Hope for the Homeless, expressed gratitude to the tribe for "helping those who are less fortunate."

"We are so thankful for the 300 turkeys that Morongo has gifted to Healing & Hope for the Homeless for those in need of a warm and delicious holiday meal," she said.

Applications to Morongo are accepted annually from organizations seeking to be added to the distribution list. Notifications are sent out to nonprofits each summer, according to a Morongo spokesperson, to notify applicants as to whether they've been selected.

Those interested in applying for the 2023 round of donations were encouraged to submit applications via morongonation.org/thanksgiving- outreach.