700 families get help from Manna

About 700 families who did not have the means for a feast were fed turkey and stuffing with all of the trimmings thanks to the generosity of Thousand Oaks residents and the organization of the local food bank, Manna.

Thousands of men, women and children sat down with their families last Thursday with much to be thankful for because churches, schools, Scout troops, private individuals, businesses and other organizations came together to make it possible.

"I have volunteered for over 30 years, and I've never seen anything like this before," said John Gorham, Manna executive director.

Those families were fed above and beyond what the nonprofit food bank usually provides to about 500 people a week, he said. Usually, those 500 get about six fully packed bags of groceries with ground beef, chicken, eggs, butter, tuna, soup, cereal and other foods they need to make it through the week, Gorham said.

The families on their list are primarily made up of lower middle-class workers who've taken a hard hit in life, he said.

"A hard hit could be someone who is underinsured getting sick with cancer or a heart ailment," Gorham said.

Among those fed for Thanksgiving were 25 families living at the Shadows Apartments in Thousand Oaks. Gorham was at a church in Thousand Oaks, making arrangements for Manna to provide food for those the church cares for, when Jacques Ortiz of Wespac Management Group overheard him talking.

The Manna director and the apartment manager put their heads together, and those 25 families were soon scheduled to get delicious dinners with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, yams, green beans, juice and even pie, Gorham said.

Because of Thanksgiving, people of the Conejo Valley showed up with truckloads of turkeys and other foods to help those in the community who are less fortunate, he said.

"We're actually doing pretty good as we look forward to Christmas," he said. "The donations have been overwhelming. We live in a wonderful community."

For Christmas dinner the group likes to include toys for the children in the family along with the meal, Gorham said.

Anyone who would like to adopt a family or be adopted can call Manna at (805) 497-4959 or drop by 3020 Crescent Way to sign up.

Those adopting can choose to get the names and ages of children in a family and buy gifts specifically for those children along with providing the dinner, or they can just provide the gifts and Manna will supply the food, Gorham said. Those in need who would like to receive the dinner must live in the Conejo Valley.

"When people received their turkey dinners they were so very grateful, some had tears in their eyes," Gorham said. "Our community is full of good people."