On Friday afternoon, Hazel Hawkins employees gave back to the
community by donating 200 turkeys to Community Pantry.
HOLLISTER
On Friday afternoon, Hazel Hawkins employees gave back to the community by donating 200 turkeys to Community Pantry.
Every year, Hazel Hawkins Hospital gives a turkey to each of its employees for Thanksgiving. This year, several employees asked about donating their turkeys to the local pantry, said Ken Underwood, CEO of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.
“We have 540 employees here, and through them, we found out about struggling programs,” Underwood said. “We do this every year … It’s fun.”
The original goal was to donate 50 turkeys and raise $1,000 for the pantry. The employees exceeded both of those goals with 200 turkeys and more than $1,600. The hospital also collected canned food donations. Underwood said that turnout was good and the event was “very special.”
After hearing from several employees about donating their turkeys, Arballo said she asked everyone at the hospital to donate their turkeys and make donations to the Community Pantry. The spirit of giving is what Arballo attributed to the donations.
“People donating turkeys and food really show caring for the holidays and care for their community.”
Anthony Mojica, community liaison and outreach coordinator, said they “just want to give back to struggling groups.” He added that the hospital is working with the community in any way it can.
Mojica said the hospital plans the same donation next year and estimates that it “will only get better.”
