The Soboba Foundation came through for needy families once again this year as they hosted their annual Soboba Gives Back turkey distribution events for Hemet and San Jacinto unified school district families. After being identified by school site parent liaisons, those most in need were presented with vouchers to bring to the drive-through events.
Soboba Foundation President Andy Silvas said the annual turkey distribution is one of those events that truly captures what the Soboba Foundation is all about—giving back, supporting families, and strengthening the community.
“I love seeing our team, volunteers, and partners come together to make sure every family can enjoy a warm meal during the holidays,” Silvas said. “It’s more than just turkeys; it’s about connection, gratitude, and caring for one another. The Foundation is proud to continue this tradition of generosity and unity that our Tribe and community has built over the years.”
The Hemet Unified district office parking lot was the site for distribution of 1,000 turkeys on Nov. 19. About 70 volunteers were on hand to welcome recipients, direct traffic and place 20-pound turkeys into vehicles. A combination of HUSD staff, Hemet Police Department members, officers from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and several Soboba Foundation members helped make the afternoon event run smoothly.
“So many people play a key role here,” Coordinator of School, Family and Community Partnerships Miriam Ortiz said. “Our Family & Community Outreach Liaisons, Nutrition Services team, Security team, and several other departments who show up on the day of the event are all essential to making this happen.”
San Jacinto Unified set up its drive-through program for its 800 recipients and plenty of volunteers to interact just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday break. A steady stream of vehicles was guided through the San Jacinto High School stadium parking lot from 3-5 p.m. on Nov. 21. Selected families received a letter informing them that they had been chosen to receive a free frozen turkey thanks to the generosity of the Soboba Foundation.
SJUSD School, Family & Community Liaison Sheila Blythe said site liaisons at the district’s 16 schools were told how many families they could give vouchers to for planning purposes.
An additional 200 turkeys were provided to various nonprofit organizations and food pantries.
Joseph Placencia, a Soboba Tribal member who has volunteered at these events for several years, was elected to the Foundation board earlier this year and serves as secretary. “This time around as an actual board member made things all that more special,” he said. “We have a good group, a good board, we do our duty with some laughs, and great company.” Placencia added that a highlight was seeing the look on people’s faces as they picked up their turkeys, smiling because they have one less worry for the holiday.
Ortiz, who has been at HUSD for nine years, said site liaisons don’t base their choices on income alone. “Site staff are often aware of circumstantial challenges that create hardship,” she said.
“For me, the highlight is seeing how the holiday season brings out the best in our community,” Ortiz said. The volunteers not only shared their time but served with so much joy. Even a few of our former liaisons, who have since transitioned into new roles, came back to help. That kind of continued support is truly special and speaks to their heart for serving families.”
HUSD staff members commented that the event gets more and more organized each year and that plenty of the parents said the line ran very smoothly and it was a quick in-and-out process.
Families who responded to a survey about the event commented, “The coordination was amazing,” “Everything was well organized with everyone kind and in great spirit,” and “I wouldn’t change anything; the staff outside were very pleasant. Thank you for the turkey!”
Another parent appreciated the helpful traffic guards who kept all lanes of traffic orderly and safe. “The inflatable turkey costume was a nice touch, too,” they said, referring to the HUSD staff member who wore an inflatable turkey costume throughout the afternoon.
SJUSD Superintendent David Pyle, who was working the distribution line said, “We are so thankful to the Soboba Foundation for their continued generosity and support of our families.”
Mountain View High School and Mountain Heights Academy Principal Ken Swanson typically volunteers his time directing drivers through the lines. He arrived a little later than usual this year because he was busy delivering a handful of turkeys to families that did not have any transportation to pick up their turkeys.
“I enjoy doing this every year,” Swanson said.
Tribal Council Sergeant-at-Arms and Soboba Foundation Board member Daniel Valdez said, “Volunteering for the turkey distribution each year is something I genuinely look forward to. It’s a chance to connect with our community in a meaningful way and be part of an effort that brings real comfort to families during the holiday season. I believe it’s important for the Soboba Foundation to participate because it reflects our commitment to giving back and supporting families. Highlights for me this year were seeing the excitement on faces; moments like that remind us of why this work matters.”
The Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians allocates funding to the Soboba Foundation for charitable giving purposes that are distributed to various organizations or nonprofit groups. The efforts to achieve the mission and vision of the Soboba Foundation are driven by the commitment and dedication of the Soboba Foundation Board of Directors and staff.
Photos courtesy of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
