Morongo Band of Mission Indians Donate 15,000 Free Turkeys

BANNING, CA — A Thanksgiving donation drive by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians wrapped up Tuesday, resulting in the distribution of roughly 15,000 free turkeys to nonprofit organizations, churches and food pantries throughout the Inland Empire and neighboring locations.

"The roots of Morongo's Thanksgiving Outreach Program stretch back decades to a time when our tribe sought to help others even as we ourselves faced adversity," Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin said. "This year, we continue our tribe's legacy of giving to others by providing tens of thousands of holiday meals to those who are struggling across the region."

Tribal members and others participated in the distribution effort, gathering at the Morongo Community Center in Banning on Monday and Tuesday to ship out the frozen turkeys to 120 different entities. Those entities will use the birds to prepare and supply thousands of Thanksgiving meals to the homeless, veterans, the indigent and others in need, tribal officials said.

"Groups receiving turkeys hailed from Banning, Beaumont, Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Desert Hot Springs, Indio, Redlands, Los Angeles and other communities," according to a tribal statement.

Among the recipients was the Riverside-based Janet Goeske Foundation, whose volunteers will use 200 donated turkeys to prepare meals for seniors next week.

"We are grateful for Morongo's kind contribution, which truly embodies the spirit of giving and community that brings us all together," Janet Goeske Food Pantry Director Janice Peguero said. "In addition to offering necessary resources, this support fortifies our goal of helping individuals in need. We will be able to bring together struggling families so they can enjoy the warmth of connection and the joy of the season because of Morongo."

Reliance Church in Temecula was another recipient, and spokeswoman Shirley Ruiz said the 100 turkeys that Morongo provided will ensure the house of worship can "serve the less fortunate in the Temecula Valley by providing warm holiday meals to seniors and families who are struggling."

The tribe begins accepting applications for turkey donations at the beginning of every year. Applications for the 2025 outreach program are available at morongonation.org/thanksgiving-outreach/.