Courtesy photos.
SANTA MARIA — The Santa Maria High School FFA Chapter was able to give 75 FFA families affected by the pandemic a free turkey for the holidays during a drive-through event Nov. 18.
The Santa Maria FFA Chapter asked for student’s whose families have been impacted by the pandemic to fill out a short survey, and then selected, based on need, the families that would be given a turkey for the Thanksgiving Day Holiday.
The turkeys were paid for by a grant that was given to the FFA Chapter from the Altrusa Int’l Foundation of Golden Valley Inc. along with a few other personal donations from the Araujo and Janzen Families. In addition, Grocery Outlet of Arroyo Grande worked with the Santa Maria FFA to secure the turkeys at a great price.
“Thank you for the turkey,’’ said FFA Member Maria Aguirre. “You have no idea how happy this made my family.’’
“We are so happy to be able to help out those students and their families who have been struggling during this difficult time,’’ said advisor Amanda Rodriguez. “Many have been facing financial burdens, and the ability to celebrate during the holidays should not have to be one of them.”
In addition, all other FFA members were encouraged to participate in a drive-through Canned Food Drive for a local food bank. The FFA collected and donated 800 cans of food, according to Saint Ag Teacher Shannon Powell.