Originally published at Orange County Catholic
FOR HUNDREDS OF FAMILIES in need, Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday—it’s a reminder of community, compassion and hope. On Nov. 22, the Order of Malta Western Association U.S.A. and Catholic Charities of Orange County brought this spirit to life by distributing over 34,000 pounds of food at their annual Thanksgiving drive, a tradition that has touched lives since 2005.
AN ORDER OF MALTA MEMBER READIES WHOLE TURKEYS TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO THOSE IN NEED. PHOTO BY SLAV ZATOKA/CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF ORANGE COUNTY
The Thanksgiving distribution took place at Catholic Charities’ Food Distribution Center, also known as Cantlay. This center is open three days a week— Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays— from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
RAMIRO SALGADO, CLIENT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, CCOC; JANNETTE INGARDIA, DM, ORDER OF MALTA; AND MICHAEL TIJERINO, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF CANTLAY OPERATIONS, CCOC.
Since the pandemic, food distribution has transitioned to a drive-through model to better assist the overwhelming number of families in need. Due to its efficiency and far reaching impact, this method has been retained even after the pandemic. In addition to regular distribution days, there are special events such as Easter and Thanksgiving distributions, as well as initiatives during the holidays such
