In the spirit of giving, District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran joined forces with the Gonzaba Foundation, District 3 senior centers and senior living facilities, local school districts, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Posts, and neighborhood food pantries to distribute 220 turkeys to families across the community this holiday season.
The turkey distribution took place at the District 3 Council Office, where community leaders were invited to participate in a drive-through pickup to collect turkeys on behalf of families in need. This collaborative effort ensured that more households could enjoy a comforting Thanksgiving meal without added financial stress.
“This partnership is our commitment to caring for our south and southeast families,” said District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran. “The holidays can be a challenging time for many, and we are proud to contribute to the warmth and joy of the holidays. It’s all about coming together as a community.”
District 3 expressed deep gratitude for the principals, counselors, VFW commanders, pantry leaders, and foundation staff who helped connect the office with families facing hardship. Their coordination played a vital role in identifying community members who would most benefit from holiday support.
“The Gonzaba Foundation is committed to serving the senior population in the Southside community,” said Fernanda Cardenas, Executive Director of The Gonzaba Foundation for Healthier Communities. “Building strong relationships and connections with our senior centers and senior living apartments is key to supporting one of our most vulnerable populations. Providing a Thanksgiving meal is one of the many ways we bring joy to our older adult neighbors this holiday season.”
Through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to service, District 3 and its community collaborators continue to find meaningful ways to reduce burdens for local families and ensure that every household has the opportunity to celebrate the season with dignity and joy.
