To Feed People on Thanksgiving, This Non-Profit Founder Put His Money Where His Heart Is – Opinion

TyRon, Community Activist and founder of Operation Warm Wishes, started it in 2008. Jackson’s passion is to make a positive difference in our world, and he does this by helping those in need: whether they be homeless adults or youth, veterans, or the elderly.

One of the organization’s premiere events, “Unity in the Community Thanksgiving Spectacular,” celebrated its 14-year year yesterday at Peppertree Park in Tustin, CA in Central Orange County.

These are highlights of an event from the past that show how detailed and deep this effort was.

Participation is completely free and participants can enjoy three courses of Thanksgiving dinner, with all the trimmings. There will also be unlimited desserts. But it’s not all about the food: the event offers a kid’s craft area, live music from a variety of local artists, and personal amenities including haircuts, free clothing, gift bags loaded with groceries, and even dog grooming!

On the website’s press release, Jackson expressed that the Thanksgiving Spectacular event was something he looked forward to all year, because of the joy it brought to people of all ages and backgrounds. You can see that everyone is welcome at the event, which in turn makes EVERYONE feel loved and cared for.

That’s how a community should be.

“Thanksgiving is a time to be with family, to remember the year that has passed and to be thankful for what we have been given,” Jackson said.

“Thanksgiving is also a time to remember those less fortunate, the needy, the forgotten and the homeless.”

Jackson spoke with Fox 11 News and revealed his struggle with homelessness as the reason for his determination.

“I know people that haven’t eaten in days. I know families that this is their first home-cooked meal in days.”

Jackson is familiar with the struggles of these families because he has also been there.

He explains, “In my youth, I was homeless a couple of years.”

Now 39, he’s proud of his work to help the unhoused and needy and he never forgets trying to survive as a teen through his family’s tough times; a family of 5 kids, mom and stepdad.

You may be yawning or tuning out right now. There are many charities that provide meals for Thanksgiving and care for the homeless especially around the Holidays. This one is worthy of Feel-Good Friday.

The TyRon-Jackson sacrifice that was made to see the event through makes this story unique.

Jackson made an enormous personal sacrifice for this event. His BMW 2011, his own car, was sold. He didn’t get enough donations this year, likely due to the community’s financial fallout from the pandemic.

To supplement the cost and not have to cancel the event, he sold the car and is using the nonprofit’s van to drive around.

Opportunists, grifters and others who want to profit from both those in need and those who are willing to help, take joy in the season. As most organizations do, they appeal to the Giving Season with the express purpose of gaining extra donations, but then use those dollars toward the founders’ and CEO’s personal enrichment, rather than the people the organization claims to be helping.

The fact that Jackson sacrificed what was probably a personal treasure to ensure this event wasn’t canceled speaks volumes about not only his integrity, but his stated commitment to transforming people’s lives and the world around him.

This is the type of person I would support during the holidays.

To find out more about Operation Warm Wishes or to support the work Jackson does within the community, visit operationwarmwishes.com.