SANTA MARIA — For the 16th year in a row, Allan Hancock College provided students who are single parents with a turkey and other Thanksgiving meal items free of charge.
A total of 60 individuals and families stopped by the Hancock EOPS+ program’s “Turkey Fest” booth outside the college’s Santa Maria campus on Nov. 26, where Hancock staff provided them with everything needed to prepare a delicious Thanksgiving meal. The packages included a turkey, potatoes, beans, cranberry sauce, rolls, stuffing, pumpkin pie, whipped cream, and butter. Also included were turkey preparation and cooking instructions.
“It is impactful for the parents who are Hancock students because right now they’re having a really hard time,” said Director of EOPS+ Siboney Guardado. “They are part of our vulnerable student population, so it’s not just academics – it’s also managing their kids and daycare. This week, with the kids off school, it’s especially tough for them.”