Hancock College holds annual Thanksgiving meal giveaway for single parent students

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Allan Hancock College held its annual turkey giveaway on Tuesday, providing a full holiday meal for eligible single parent students.

The program, which is in its 16th year, directly benefits students who are enrolled in a variety of on-campus supportive programs, including EOPS, NextUp, CalWORKs, Rising Scholars, Guardian Scholars, AIM to Dream, CAN/TRIO, Veterans, LAP, Noncredit Counseling, and Basic Needs.

"These are our students that are involved in some of our programs here who just need a little bit of extra assistance," said Lauren Milbourne, Hancock College Public Affairs and Communications Director. "These are single parent students, so we understand that it is a challenge for single parent families to be able to put a beautiful turkey dinner on the table at Thanksgiving. We want to help them out and provide them with everything that they need so that they and their children can have a very special dinner on Thanksgiving."

Students not only received a turkey, but also a full meal that includes several other traditional Thanksgiving staples such as bread rolls, green beans, stuffing, dessert, and other fixings.

"It means everything," said student Joshua Fortson. "I'm glad that, Hancock can provide it for us. You know, it came in in the clutch. We appreciate it. This is this will bring a nice Thanksgiving meal for our family."

Sixty students picked up meal packages that were valued at about $65 during the four-hour event that was held in a drive-through format, allowing them to stay in the car while the packages were delivered to their vehicle.

"It's amazing because it feels like a family," said student Jami Ann Rosier. "When we drove up here, the workers come and greet us and they bring all the food out. 'm just so appreciative to be part of a program like this. I feel very blessed that I get to be a part of their lives and they get to be a part of my life."

Due to the wet weather on Tuesday, the drive-through format was adjusted slightly in front of the school's administration offices located in Building B.

"The weather can't bring us down," said Milbourne. "We're still out here. We're still giving away the turkeys. We moved some of the things a little bit under the eaves over here, but the students are showing up and they're super excited."

The meals were provided through generous donations from Hancock College staff, faculty, and other school employees.