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 as the Christmas tree distribution in December and toy giveaways during the Three Kings Day celebration in January.
Catholic Charities of Orange County partners with several Catholic groups in the Diocese of Orange to provide assistance based on specific needs. Since its inception in 2005, the Thanksgiving distribution has grown into a cherished annual tradition thanks to the leadership of the Order of Malta and Catholic Charities of Orange County.
Preparations involve selecting the menu, securing food supplies and launching a multilingual marketing campaign tailored for Cantlay clients, with marketing materials available in Spanish and Vietnamese, as well as organizing volunteers.
Volunteers play a crucial role in managing traffic, stuffing food bags, recycling boxes, moving pallets and spreading holiday cheer. This year, more than 20 members of the Order of Malta joined Catholic Charities staff to help distribute food. The distribution included items like apple juice, mixed canned fruits, peanut butter jars, mixed canned vegetables, instant mashed potatoes, dried dates, soft dinner rolls, carrots, onions, potatoes and whole frozen turkeys.
“It’s so joyful when people come to you and say, ‘Hey, that food you are giving means a lot to my family…’ Just to hear that is a satisfaction that a salary can’t give you,” said Michael Tijerino, senior director of the Cantlay Food Distribution Center.
The event is generously supported by the Order of Malta Western Association U.S.A. This year, 927 families were served during the Thanksgiving distribution for a total of 5,562 individuals.
This Christmas, you can help brighten a family’s holiday season. Visit ccoc.org to contribute to these life-changing initiatives.