In a remarkable display of community spirit, nonprofits in Oakland have collaborated with at-risk youth to provide Thanksgiving meals for 900 families in need. The initiative, organized by the East Oakland Bridges Coalition, aims to ensure that local families can enjoy the holiday season with a festive meal.
The coalition has mobilized donations and volunteers, including young individuals facing challenges in their lives. These efforts are not just about food; they are also about empowerment and healing. Crystal Zavala, a high school student and volunteer, remarked, “Being able to help other people makes my inner child heal because I wasn’t able to get that help when I was younger.”
As volunteers prepared boxes filled with traditional Thanksgiving items, many expressed their desire to change perceptions of Oakland. Zamiah Nobles, a 25-year-old volunteer, shared, “I just want Oakland to be better than what others look at it as. It’s not just always robberies, stealing, killing.”
The event highlights the transformative power of community engagement. Kenneth McClendon, a 15-year-old volunteer, reflected on his past, stating, “Going into stores and stealing stuff or robbing somebody, going to jail.” He credits the guidance he received from nonprofits led by formerly incarcerated individuals for helping him change his trajectory.
Charles Reed, the founder of Lifers Leaving a Legacy, emphasized his commitment to giving back. After serving 31 years for homicide, he stated, “I was one of the ones who helped destroy and destruct Oakland. My thing is to give back and help repair it.”
Ziri Wilson, CEO of Lulu’s House, expressed the challenges faced by at-risk youth. “It’s hard out here for these youngsters because nobody believes in them. But we do,” he said. Wilson’s organization works to keep young people off the streets and guide them toward achieving their goals.
This Thanksgiving food drive is part of a broader effort by the coalition, which plans to return for a similar initiative during the Christmas season. The volunteers are not just providing meals; they are also experiencing personal growth through their contributions.
As the community comes together to support those in need, the young volunteers recognize that their efforts are a gift to themselves. By helping others, they are actively reshaping their own narratives and fostering a sense of belonging in Oakland. The food distribution is scheduled for Saturday, ensuring that families will have access to a warm meal during this festive time.
The collaboration among local nonprofits and youth underscores the importance of community solidarity in addressing food insecurity during the holiday season.
