Single-Parent Hancock Students Receive Free Thanksgiving Meals

NOVEMBER 21, 2023-- For the 15th year in a row, Allan Hancock College’s CARE program provided students who are single parents with a turkey and other Thanksgiving meal items free of charge.  

A total of 51 individuals and families stopped by CARE’s “Turkey Fest” booth outside the college’s Santa Maria campus on Nov. 21, where CARE 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.  

“We know times are tough, so we are thrilled that we can provide this food and put a smile on the faces of our students,” said Hancock CARE/EOPS Coordinator Fabian Mendoza   

The Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program is a state-funded program for single parents attending Hancock. The program provides support services such as tutoring, academic counseling, computer access, and a play area for the student’s children. This year, the turkey giveaway not only served students in the CARE program but also to students in Hancock’s EOPS, NextUp, CalWORKs, Rising Scholars, Guardian Scholars, AIM to Dream, CAN/TRIO, Veterans, LAP, Noncredit Counseling and Basic Needs programs. 

“Hancock is helping me and my children have a happy Thanksgiving,” said Hancock student Susana Garcia. “It’s an amazing feeling to know that the college really cares about my family.” 

Funds to purchase the turkeys and other food items were donated by Hancock staff, faculty, administrators, members of the college’s Board of Trustees and donors from the Allan Hancock College Foundation. This year, those groups raised more than $3,200 for the turkey drive. The turkeys and food were purchased from Spencer’s Fresh Market. 

To learn more about the CARE program, visit https://www.hancockcollege.edu/eops/care.php or call 805-922-6966 ext. 3623.