When Gratitude Meets Hard Reality
thanksgiving in pico rivera and montebello ca.
Thanksgiving is meant to be a season of gratitude — a time when families gather around a warm meal, share laughter, and reflect on their blessings. But for many in our communities of Pico Rivera and Montebello, this season brings a different reality. Behind the festive tables and holiday decorations, too many families, youth, and unhoused neighbors are struggling just to put food on the table.
In recent years, the rising cost of living has made it harder for low-income households to keep up. Families are forced to make impossible choices: pay rent or buy groceries, cover utilities or fill a gas tank, purchase school supplies or put bread on the table. For some, food becomes the last priority — not because it’s unimportant, but because the bills won’t wait.
Our unhoused neighbors face even greater challenges. Without stable shelter or income, securing daily meals is uncertain. We meet individuals who go days without a hot meal, relying on small donations, food pantries, or what they can find. The holidays, while joyful for many, often amplify feelings of isolation for those who feel forgotten.
Youth in our community also feel this burden. Many students come to school hungry, unable to focus, falling behind academically not because of lack of effort — but because their basic needs aren’t being met. Hunger doesn’t just affect the stomach; it impacts mental health, motivation, and long-term success.
At Padres De Los Angeles (PDLA), we witness these realities firsthand. Since launching in 2023, we’ve had the honor of supporting our first families in need — providing food, essentials, and a sense of community. It may seem small to some, but to each family, that support means one less worry, one more meal, and one more reason to believe in tomorrow.
This Thanksgiving, while we give thanks for what we have, we also ask our community to remember those who are still struggling.
Not everyone needs a full turkey dinner — some just need a sandwich, a warm meal, or a bag of groceries to get through the week.
Together, we can turn gratitude into action.
Together, we can bring hope to Pico Rivera and Montebello California — one family, one youth, one neighbor at a time.
