Turkey? Check. Stuffing? Check. Mashed potatoes and yams? Check and check.
A group of students from Clinton Elementary and Doig Intermediate schools in Garden Grove Unified took home all the key ingredients for complete Thanksgiving meals last week as a reward for accomplishing individual academic and personal goals.
About 30 kids were presented with their full bags of groceries during a special ceremony at Clinton Elementary on Nov. 21.
The Thanksgiving incentive was offered through the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership, otherwise known as OC GRIP. The program was started in 2008 by the District Attorney’s Office in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Department to foster a collaborative, community-based approach to gang reduction.
A number of local dignitaries were on hand to celebrate the students, including Garden Grove school board President Lan Nguyen, GGUSD Superintendent Gabriela Mafi, Assistant Superintendent Sara Wescott, District Attorney Todd Spitzer and Garden Grove Police Chief Tom DaRe. Representatives from Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Saddleback Church and local law enforcement also attended.
“We are grateful for this partnership that shows students that law enforcement is here to help and support them,” Board President Nguyen said. “We are proud of our students for working incredibly hard to earn this wonderful Thanksgiving meal for their families.”