A volunteer hands out a turkey and warm meal to a man at a Mariachi Plaza giveaway. Photo by Andrew Lopez.

The holiday season is a time for giving back, with events in and around the neighborhood bringing resources, fun activities – and yes, free turkeys. 

We’ve rounded up a list of turkey giveaways leading up the Thanksgiving holiday – including one featuring former California governor (and Terminator) Arnold Schwarzenegger. 

Thursday, Nov. 21

Down at Lou Costello Jr. Recreation Center, the park is hosting a “shoot-out” for those looking to ball up for their free turkey. The competition will be based on ages, with the following schedule: 5-7: 4:30 p.m., 8-10: 5:00 p.m., 11-12: 5:30 p.m., 13-15: 6 p.m., 16 and over: 6:30 p.m. Winners will get a free turkey. On top of the basketball games, there will be various fun activities for attendees to enjoy. 

Line wrapped around Mariachi Plaza for 2023 giveaway. Photo by Andrew Lopez.

Friday, Nov. 22

Safari Restaurant & Bar, is hosting a turkey giveaway event running from noon to 4 p.m. There will be a special appearance by radio station Power 106’s Brown Bag Mornings DJ Greg C.

Saturday, Nov. 23

Join the Weingart East L.A. YMCA for its 10th annual turkey giveaway at Mariachi Plaza. Running from 10 a.m. to noon, community members will receive a free Thanksgiving tote bag and turkey while supplies last. If you’re looking to support, you can sign up to volunteer for the event here

Tuesday, Nov. 26

Arnold Schwarzenegger hands a bag of food to a woman at a “Miracle on 1st Street” giveaway in Boyle Heights. Photo by Ricky Rodas.

It’s a “Miracle on 1st Street” over at the Hollenbeck Youth Center, where the organization hosts annual giveaways as the year comes to a close. Featuring appearances by Arnold Schwarzenegger and local leaders bringing cheer to the Eastside neighborhood, the event is always well attended. Turkeys will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis, though attendees must register here in advance.  

Alex Medina served as a community reporter for Boyle Heights Beat from 2022 to 2024 and as an associate editor and reporter from 2024 to 2025. He was also a participant in the Boyle Heights Beat Youth Journalism Program from 2015 to 2018. He earned his degree from Hamilton College in 2022. In his free time, he enjoys reading and walking.

My background: My passion for community-centered journalism began in high school when I joined Boyle Heights Beat as a youth reporter. Since then I’ve dedicated my time at the Beat covering the Eastside community for the past 12 years.

What I do: I run and create content for all social media channels for Boyle Heights Beat. Most days you'll find me producing, filming and editing all of our social videos.

Why LA?: It's the place I've known my entire life. It's home.

The best way to contact me: My email is jackie.ramirez@boyleheightsbeat.org.

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