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Gustine Rotary, partners provide Thanksgiving meals to hundreds on the Westside
gustine rotary food
Representatives from Comcast present a $5,000 donation to Gustine Rotary, supporting the club’s ongoing food distribution efforts through the “Power UP” initiative. The partnership helps provide meals and resources to families across the Westside. - photo by Photo Contributed

GUSTINE — Long before sunrise Tuesday, cars lined up outside Harry Schmidt Park in Gustine for one of the largest holiday food distributions the Westside has seen. By mid-morning, the line stretched from the baseball field parking lot down to Gustine Elementary School, underscoring both the need and the community spirit behind the effort.

For more than two years, the Gustine Rotary Club has hosted twice-monthly food distributions, serving families in Gustine, Santa Nella, Newman and surrounding towns. Rain or shine, volunteers unload boxes and make sure no household leaves empty-handed. But Tuesday’s event was different. Just days before Thanksgiving, Rotary partnered with the Merced County Food Bank and Comcast to expand the program, ensuring families had holiday meals to take home.

Bridget Mitchell, community leader at the Merced County Food Bank, said the partnership represents more than food. “I am so happy to have support from the financial backing from Comcast, and be able to touch a neighborhood that doesn’t get a whole lot of love,” Mitchell said. “Especially in this time where things are so tight already, to at least bring a little bit of comfort in the form of food.”

Rotary President Cindy Jamero said the effort reflects the club’s commitment to feeding the community. “It’s Thanksgiving, the season for giving, and I appreciate Comcast and Merced County Food Bank for coming every two weeks and helping us out,” Jamero said.

Rotarian Derek Nunes called the day a culmination of years of dedication. “This program has been going on for over two years,” Nunes said. “The crew is here twice a month, month after month, rain or shine. Some are Rotarians, but a lot are just community members who really care and want to help out.”

Comcast officials said supporting local families is part of their ongoing investment. “Comcast is proud to partner with the Merced County Food Bank and the Gustine Rotary to provide holiday meals to local families,” said Nathan Ahle, director of government affairs for Comcast California. “Serving our communities is at the heart of what we do.”

As volunteers filled trunks with turkeys, produce and holiday staples, families expressed gratitude. Maria, a mother of two, said rising grocery costs made the support vital. “This helps us have a real Thanksgiving,” she said. Anthony, a Gustine resident, said the day felt special. “You can feel the care everyone put into this,” he said.

Others echoed the sentiment. Elena, attending with her elderly mother, said the food helped them keep traditions. Jasmine, a mother of three, said the distribution eased holiday stress. Robert, who took time off work to attend, said Rotary’s consistency has been a big help.

Tuesday’s distribution was not a one-time event but part of a continuing partnership. Rotary, the Merced County Food Bank and Comcast plan to keep serving families year-round. For many, the Nov. 18 effort delivered not just food, but hope, dignity and a reminder of the strength of community.