O.C. law enforcement will pack and give out thanksgiving turkey dinners to at-risk students on Nov. 16

ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY NEWS RELEASE

Date: November 10, 2016

MEDIA ADVISORY

WHO: Orange County District Attorney (OCDA) Tony Rackauckas, Orange County Probation Chief Steve Sentman, Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren, and over 250 law enforcement officers that partner with the OC GRIP Program in the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, Orange, Santa Ana, San Clemente, San Juan Capistrano, Stanton, and Tustin.

WHAT: Will be packing and awarding 850 Thanksgiving turkey dinners to at-risk students in the Orange County Gang Reduction Intervention Partnership’s (OC GRIP) 7th Annual Thanksgiving Challenge. Students who improved their attendance, behavior and grades will receive a full Thanksgiving meal to feed a family of 10. This year, District Attorney Rackauckas, Chief Sentman and Pastor Warren will meet with volunteers from Ralph’s/Food 4 Less, Saddleback Church, OCDA, Community Service Programs, community leaders, and law enforcement partners throughout the county who work with students from each of the 50 GRIP schools to pack and distribute the meals. The media is invited to attend both events.

Santa Ana Police Chief Carlos Rojas commented, “The Santa Ana Police Department is thrilled to participate in the upcoming Thanksgiving Incentive. OC GRIP has made such a positive impact on the lives of our youth and their families, providing this incentive truly exemplifies the student’s focus on accomplishing their goals through positive behavior and activities. The incentive also serves as a great reminder of what communities can do working together in order to strive for a positive future for our youth.”

“Once again, Saddleback Church is honored to participate with the Orange County District Attorney and Ralph’s/Food 4 Less with OC GRIP in such an effective and transformative event. We appreciate and are grateful to be able to continue to support and provide hope to at risk children and their families throughout Orange County,” said Saddleback Church Pastor Rick Warren.

“Thanksgiving is the purest of the holidays that is focused on sharing gratitude and food between family and friends,” said OCDA Tony Rackauckas. “Thanks to the generosity of Ralph’s/Food 4 Less, Saddleback Church, and the law enforcement partners of OC GRIP, families will be able to acknowledge good choices made by at-risk youths and give thanks to all of the positives in life.”

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 14th, 2016, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. – dinners packed at Saddleback Church

Wednesday, Nov. 16th, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. – distribution of the incentive dinners

WHERE: Packing: Saddleback Church, 1 Saddleback Parkway, Lake Forest, 92630

Distribution: San Juan Elementary School, 31642 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano, 92675

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TONY RACKAUCKAS, District Attorney

Susan Kang Schroeder, Chief of Staff
Office: 714-347-8408
Cell: 714-292-2718

Public Affairs Unit
Office: 714-347-8405