Pastor Ray Smith, Connecting Hope CDC, and Local Attorneys Team Up to Feed 1,000 Families

Volunteers pack cars with food at the annual Thanksgiving Dinner giveaway in southeastern San Diego.

By San Diego Monitor News Staff

SAN DIEGO — In a powerful display of community solidarity and compassion, Connecting Hope Community Development Corporation and Pilgrim Progressive Baptist Church brought holiday relief to 1,000 San Diego families during their large-scale Turkey and Food Package Giveaway held on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

The event, hosted at 4995 A Street in San Diego, transformed the church grounds into a bustling hub of generosity from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., as volunteers, donors, and community partners came together to provide essential holiday meals to individuals and families facing financial strain.

“Every year, our mission remains the same—to make sure no family in our community goes without hope or a warm meal during the holidays,” said Pastor Ray Smith lead organizer of the annual event. “This event is about more than food. It’s about reminding people that they are seen, valued, and supported. When our community comes together like this, we show what true compassion looks like.”

With living costs and food insecurity continuing to affect thousands across the region, organizers said the event served as both a timely intervention and a reminder of community strength.

“The holidays should be a time of joy, togetherness, and gratitude, but for too many families, it is instead a time of stress and uncertainty,” representatives from Connecting Hope CDC said. “Our goal was simple: to meet people where they are and remind them that their community cares. No one should have to choose between paying a bill and having a holiday meal.”

Support for the giveaway extended beyond volunteers and church members. Local attorneys John Gomez and The Barnes Firm stepped up financially in partnership with Connecting Hope CDC, helping ensure the event had the resources needed to serve 1,000 families. Their contributions strengthened the effort and highlighted the role local businesses and leaders can play in uplifting the community during the holiday season.

Saturday’s giveaway was made possible through a network of volunteers, donors, church members, and partner organizations who worked together to uplift their neighbors. In addition to distributing turkeys, organizers offered complete holiday meal packages designed to help families prepare a warm, nourishing celebration in their own homes.

The site buzzed with energy as lines formed early in the morning, with families expressing gratitude for the support during what is often a financially challenging season. The event not only provided food but fostered meaningful community connection—an atmosphere organizers hoped would reflect the true spirit of the holidays.

Each family received a full meal package, including a turkey and a curated selection of groceries to help them prepare a traditional holiday spread. Organizers emphasized that the giveaway was about more than food; it was about restoring dignity, uplifting spirits, and offering hope during a season meant for unity and compassion.

As families departed with full bags and warm smiles, the event stood as a testament to the power of community and the enduring commitment of local organizations, partners, and supporters—demonstrating that no one in San Diego should feel forgotten this holiday season.