Long Beach neighbors came together ahead of Thanksgiving to celebrate the season of giving, share a warm meal and uplifting the community during the annual Thankful Heart Thanksgiving Dinner Party.
Michael Hooper, left, attends the annual Thankful Heart Thanksgiving dinner party at the McBride Park Gym in Long Beach on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Councilmember Suely Saro hosts the annual Thankful Heart Thanksgiving dinner party at the McBride Park Gym in Long Beach on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Councilmember Suely Saro hosts the annual Thankful Heart Thanksgiving dinner party at the McBride Park Gym in Long Beach on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Donald Matthews, left, attends the annual Thankful Heart Thanksgiving dinner party at the McBride Park Gym in Long Beach on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
Adreena Martin, center, poses for a photograph with fellow volunteers during the annual Thankful Heart Thanksgiving dinner party at the McBride Park Gym in Long Beach on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
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Michael Hooper, left, attends the annual Thankful Heart Thanksgiving dinner party at the McBride Park Gym in Long Beach on Tuesday, November 25, 2025. (Photo by Drew A. Kelley, Press-Telegram/SCNG)
This event is hosted every year by Councilmember Suely Saro in the city’s Sixth District. This year, the councilmember partnered with Westin Long Beach to serve more than 700 hot meals to residents at Ernest McBride Park on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
“This annual celebration brings our community together to share gratitude and fellowship,” Saro wrote on social media ahead of the event.
Event organizers also collaborated with the Midtown Business Improvement District, Love Beyond Limits, Highgates Hotels, the Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, and Vice Mayor Roberto Uranga’s office.
People enjoyed their meals and shared lively conversations as they began their Thanksgiving festivities. There was also music playing curated by DJ Sokin and a raffle that gave away essential goods to residents.