Pleasanton North Rotary Assists Thanksgiving Basket Brigade

Volunteers from Pleasanton North Rotary (PNR) had an amazing time working with the Tri-Valley Basket Brigade Nov. 22 to distribute essential items for Thanksgiving dinners and a warm holiday season to needy East Bay families.

Carol Moberg led efforts that generated monetary donations, food and clothing from PNR members. She also coordinated volunteer help with Basket Brigade organizers at the event.

PNR donated 16 frozen turkeys, four baskets of donated items as well as nearly $600 in cash to support the charity effort. 

Members who joined Carol at Montessori Valley School in Livermore to fill bags and baskets included Esther Becker, Ed and Lara Golden with their daughter Julia, Audrey Glafkides, Tami Hennegan, and Carol’s daughter, Kayla Moberg. 

More than 75 bags were filled with bottles of drinking water, fruit bars, juice boxes, oranges, toiletries, a blanket, underwear, a beanie, a sweatshirt and socks. Turkeys were delivered in cellophane-wrapped baskets with cans of beans and corn, potatoes, squash, apples, stuffing, gravy, cranberries, rolls, dessert, and a handmade Thanksgiving greeting card.

The PNR group then delivered nine baskets to families in Hayward, San Leandro and Oakland. 

“We saw such gratitude for our work,” Carol said.  “We overheard one woman say, ‘And I didn't think we were going to have Thanksgiving this year.’ It was so amazing to actually be able to meet the families we served.”

Planning has are already begin to increase PNR participation in the Basket Brigade next year.

Below:  Pleasanton North Rotary helped the Tri-Valley Basket Brigand distribute piles of turkeys and other Thanksgiving dinner essentials to needy families Nov. 22.