Justin Aldi marveled at the frozen turkeys he and his employers helped unload Monday afternoon in front of the Burbank Temporary Aid Center.
“This is just such a great cause,” the chief executive of First Security Lending said. “I am fortunate to have food for Thanksgiving, so it’s great that we can provide for so many.”
Employees of First Security were joined by workers from Windermere Real Estate and Century 21 as they delivered 150 turkeys and 160 sacks of potatoes to the aid center.
“What they do is amazing,” center Director Barbara Howell said. “Without this, we wouldn’t be able to serve as many families as we do.”
The Burbank Temporary Aid Center opened in 1974 after community leaders sensed a need for such aid in the area.
“It started in a garage as a food pantry,” Howell said.
Eventually, the center took over this building on Burbank Boulevard, where a shower, washer/dryer, public restroom and food storage warehouse serves about 7,000 low-income and homeless people a year.
“We have about 90% who are low-income and about 10% that are homeless,” Howell said.
The turkeys will be stored in the freezers that are buttressed by stacks of canned goods, diapers and supplies that are free to those in need, Howell said.
“We’ve had a steady stream of people coming in and picking up food for the holidays,” she said.
This year, the center expects to give out food and aid to as many as 350 families for their Thanksgiving meals, Howell said.
“So, you can see how much of an impact this will make,” she said, as Realtors and brokers from Century 21’s Crest Realty unloaded sacks of potatoes from the back of a flatbed truck.
Ray Mirzakhanian, a broker, donated his time and money to help low-income members of the community.
“This time of year, we are blessed with so many good things,” he said. “To be able to give back a little is very special.”
Each of the 10 Century 21 employees who helped unload potatoes donated about $20 toward the effort.
“I love putting my money back in the community,” said Chris Templet, an agent with the company.
Others found a more targeted reason for giving that reflected personal circumstances.
“I’m a single mom myself, so I figured there would be a need among single moms,” Meegan Bevere said.
“I know it’s tough for some of them.”
In addition to the companies that helped with the effort on Monday, the center also receives aid from other stores and organizations throughout the year.
“We get donations from Trader Joe’s, Starbucks, Pavilion’s and Yahoo,” Howell said.
“Yahoo gives us packaged salads to give people a healthier option.
“I’ve been so impressed with how this community supports all the nonprofits. It’s just really amazing.”
JEREMY OBERSTEIN covers City Hall and public safety. He may be reached at (818) 637-3242 or by e-mail at jeremy.oberstein@ latimes.com.
