The SCRS-IL gave away 130 turkeys to individuals with varying disabilities on Monday. (Photo by Alex Dominguez)

DOWNEY - The Southern California Resource Services for Independent Living (SCRS-IL) kicked off the holiday season with the spirit of giving on Monday, hosting its annual Turkey giveaway for those in need.

Recipients received a turkey with all the fix ins, including mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, and cranberry sauce.

According to Ignacio Gonzalez, public policy manager for SCRS-IL, the agency services people “of all disabilities.”

“All ages, across all disabilities,” said Ignacio. “Just a cross section of ethnicities, ages, and disabilities, and everything.”

He added many of those serviced at the giveaway would have gone without otherwise.

“In most cases, if they didn’t get it here then they would have gone without a turkey,” said Gonzalez. “It’s very important to most people, and we try to reserve it for the people who actually need it.”

Since around 2016, the SCRS-IL has held the annual giveaway, though the pandemic forced a temporary hiatus. According to Gonzalez, the event continues to get larger with each year.

Recipients were required to register prior to receiving their bird. Gonzalez says that phones “were ringing off the hook,” and the SCRS had filled its registry within a day and a half.

One of those picking up a turkey was Catherine Ventress, who said it was “very helpful to our holiday.”

“You know money of course is tight, so anything that we can get that helps is always welcome,” said Ventress. “Plus, we know that when they have services like this, if we don’t use them, typically we lose them, so I want to participate.”

Violet Jimenez said the giveaway was “very special.”

“It helps,” said Jimenez. “All the prices in the grocery store are going up and everything. Just with this, it’s a big blessing, and we’re appreciative. It helps the household.”

SCRS-IL gave away 130 turkeys in Downey alone, and around 300 at its other locations across the region.

While the SCRS-IL purchased all the turkeys and sides this year, Gonzalez hopes that donations can be secured in the future.

“We purchased everything; turkeys alone were $2,500,” said Gonzalez. “It came from general funds and other donations that we got along the way. Hopefully next year, if we get other donations, we can go to 200 [turkeys] or more.”

Gonzalez said, “If you have a disability, [SCRS-IL] is here for you.”

“We can help you navigate particularly acquired disabilities where you don’t know where to turn as far as benefits, transportation, and the like,” said Gonzalez. “You can call us. Give us a question, we’ll try to answer your questions, and help you move forward.”

Over 100 turkeys given to those with disabilities