Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez (D-Los Angeles) spent the day before Thanksgiving giving back to the 46th Assembly District community, joining with local volunteers to distribute 350 Thanksgiving turkeys, reusable shopping bags, and other food items to local families in need.

"Our state and local communities continue to struggle through tough times right now," Pérez said. "With the help of local businesses and community organizations, we have the opportunity to start the holiday season off on a positive note for families in need, providing turkeys and trimmings for Thanksgiving tables all over the 46th Assembly District."

The turkey, canned goods and reusable shopping bags giveaway is part of a larger distribution effort led by Speaker Pérez throughout the 46th Assembly District, reaching 19 community organizations and distributing over 1,000 turkeys.

Pérez partnered with Ralph's Foods, UFCW and the Department of Insurance to gather the turkeys, canned goods and reusable bags for the giveaway. The Speaker has participated in Thanksgiving distributions since being elected to represent the 46th Assembly District in 2008, making major contributions to the Resurrection Church food distribution the last two years that accounted for over 600 turkeys for local families.

"It is important that while the Legislature focuses on statewide issues and concerns, we remain vigilant and receptive to the needs of our respective communities," Pérez added. "This turkey giveaway effort is a great example of working with community partners and focusing our resources to give families the opportunity to put together a Thanksgiving meal."