The SEIU 1021 Stockton office hosted its Holiday Turkey Giveaway on Tuesday, Dec. 9 to help feed hundreds of members and their families. Drivers lined up in the parking lot well before the start of the collection in anticipation of the cherished tradition. Stockton Vice President Taffie Walter says it all started during the covid-19 pandemic when people were forced to stay apart. Members came up with the idea to distribute the birds for a take-home meal people could prepare themselves. 

Walter says this year 375 members signed up adding, “We have music, we have lights, we try to make it simple, we load it into the car. We’re all about giving back to our members.” 

As the cars rolled up one by one, member leaders and volunteers unpacked a massive freezer truck full of turkeys and loaded them up into each car. SEIU 1021 members shared their appreciation for the effort saying they are facing harsh economic times and all the help, including the turkeys, is welcome. 

Celeste Williams, a member who works with the billing department at the San Joaquin General Hospital shared, “It’s really hard for families right now, this is really great. Other than having to fight our battles this is something different, this is nice.”

 For Theresa Smalls it’s her second year participating. She is an SEIU 1021 member who works with the sterile processing technician at SJGH agreed saying, “This is excellent! Food is very expensive out there, I’m very grateful. I’m thankful.”

Melinda Rodriguez is another SEIU 1021 member and claims analyst with Health Plan San Joaquin. she drove all the way from neighboring Modesto to be there. “It is helpful because we’re all on a budget, things are tight. We appreciate it, my families appreciate it because things are tight around the holidays.”

As for what they plan to make with the turkeys… 

“I’m going to cut it up and make some smothered turkey wings for Christmas,” said Williams.

Smalls said, “I can either bake it or fry it!”