Patrick Depillars of the Western Eagle Foundation of Temecula loads 100 turkeys donated to the organization by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Valley News/Courtesy photo
MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians gave away a record 15,000 free turkeys this week to nonprofit groups, churches and charities across southwestern Riverside County and the Inland Empire as part of the Tribe’s 36th annual Thanksgiving Outreach Program.The turkeys donated this year will provide nearly 300,000 holiday meals to families, older adults and veterans in need. Since the program began, Morongo has given away more than 175,000 turkeys, which in turn have provided an estimated 3.5 million holiday meals.“Morongo launched our Thanksgiving Outreach program more than three decades ago to help those struggling to put food on the table,” Morongo Tribal Chair Charles Martin said. “The last couple of years have presented unprecedented challenge
