Although financially 2011 has been a difficult year for Susana Caracoza, the single-mother has lots to be thankful for.

    “I’m thankful for my son, I’m thankful that I have the support of my parents, I’m thankful that I’m attending school,” Caracoza said.

    Caracoza’s was one of more than 100 families that received a turkey this Tuesday in advance of Thanksgiving Day. The turkey give-away was organized by State Senator Juan Vargas (Democrat, District 40) along with the National City Chamber of Commerce.

    Senator Vargas’ office worked closely with the National City Chamber of Commerce to identify needy families currently served by the La Escuelita and Highland Head Starts in National City. 

    Turkeys were donated by the California American Water’s annual “Operation Gobble” program, Smart & Final and Senator Juan Vargas, to the National City Chamber of Commerce.

    For Caracoza, more than a turkey that’s going to help her family have a nice, warm Thanksgiving dinner, this gift represents a blessing from community leaders.

    “It’s a great effort,” she said. “It shows that they care about families in National City.”

    Caracoza has a three-year-old son, Danny, and she currently lives with her parents to be able to attend school. .

    “I have a lot be grateful for,” she said.

    Like her, Reyna Hernandez’ family also received a turkey on Tuesday. She also said that the gift is another sign that things are getting better, albeit the hard economy.

    “I’m going to cosmetology school, and my mom takes care of my son,” Hernandez said. “This year I’m accomplishing many of the goals I had.”

    Operation Gobble is a joint venture between California water companies and state legislators that will deliver an estimated 30,000 turkeys to at-risk families throughout the state this Thanksgiving holiday.

    “Sharing food with family and friends at Thanksgiving is something we all cherish and ‘Operation Gobble’ keeps that tradition going for many families in our region,” Senator Vargas said.  “I’m grateful for California American Water and Smart & Final’s generosity, and the partnership with the National City Chamber of Commerce that is making Thanksgiving dinner possible for so many National City families.”

    Rob MacLean, president of California American Water, one of the water companies who donated the turkeys, said that water utilities are donating about 40,000 throughout California, with 500 of those turkeys here in San Diego County.

    At the event, Vargas added that “it’s sad that people need this help, but thank God there are those who step up and help. I grew up poor, and my family used to struggle so much. I’m grateful these families are going to have a great Thanksgiving dinner.”

    The City of National City is one of the poorest in San Diego County. With a high population of low-income families, the city’s mayor, Ron Morrison, had several turkey give-aways the week before Thanksgiving, where 225 turkeys were distributed to needy families.

    What started out six years ago as an attempt to meet the needs of a few families at Central Elementary has grown this year to an outreach to 225 family’s at all ten elementary schools within National City.

    “This is a great example of a community coming together in a time of greater need to make sure as many families as possible can enjoy a family Thanksgiving time together,” Morrison said. “Our sponsors are a great testament to the caring and selfless spirit that pervades this great community.”

    “These times are different then anything we have experienced in our modern lifetime. Things we have taken for granted for so long, and always assumed would always be there, are now for many Americans gone. It has been a powerful testament to the generosity of the merchants and citizens of National City, that my office has been able to provide 250 turkeys to our local families who have needs during this season. This is just another proof of the fact that when situations get tough, the richness of our community shines.”