Thanksgiving is right around the corner and several Los Medanos College groups are gearing up to provide a Thanksgiving basket to LMC students in need.

The Umoja Scholars Program, EOPS/CARE, CalWORKs, Equity & Inclusion, LMC Foundation, and the LMC Food Pantry have joined hands to make the holiday brighter for those struggling to get by. 

The pre-packaged baskets will be distributed by LMC Food Pantry staff Thursday, Nov. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. and Monday, Nov. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. There may be additional hours or scheduled pick-up depending on how many students apply. Baskets will be given out to students on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“All current LMC students are eligible to apply for a basket. Priority will be given to those students who have not received a basket in previous years,” said Student Life Director, Teresea Archaga.

Baskets will include one turkey or whole chicken, two cans of corn, two cans of green beans, and other limited goodies. A vegetarian substitution for meat is also available.

“This will be the eleventh year that the Umoja Scholars Program has been providing baskets,” said Umoja Program Coordinator, Jamila Stewart. “The last few years we have partnered with the Food Pantry and this year EOPS is also joining the partnership.”

You can also pitch in and donate to the cause by clicking the link. 

“There is definitely a need”, said Archaga. “We already have had 125 students apply, many of which are currently pantry visitors, in addition to EOPS/CARE, and CalWORKs students.”

EOPS is contributing a large donation consisting of gift cards to purchase a holiday meal,  as well as turkeys. They can serve up to 200 students this year. LMC Staff and Faculty also contribute through monetary donations through the LMC Foundation.

“It brings me joy to see that we are still able to provide support during these difficult times,” said Archaga. “It is a collaborative effort and I am proud to be part of the distribution.” 

Stewart said that this particular event is special because it was created by students for students.

“I personally believe that providing meals, whether it’s for the holidays or not, is a wonderful service to our students who need the support.” she added.