Operation Thanksgiving Pie expands to include dinners

A young Fallbrook boy who just received a pie poses with Fallbrook Sheriff Lt. Hernandez, left, Detective Botz and Captain Rick Lopez. They were delivering Thanksgiving meals and pies. "This was part of Operation Thanksgiving Pie, which started two years ago as a way to bring smiles to the community during the holiday season in hopes of spreading cheer," said Crime Prevention Specialist Heather Mitchell.

SDSD Crime Prevention Specialist Heather Mitchell, right, poses with Denny's employees who helped to provide meals for the families.

Employees from Snowline Orchard in Oak Glen provided the apple pies for Operation Thanksgiving Pie.

"Thanks to Nancy Santillan from the Fallbrook Community Center (pictured with a recipient of a Thanksgiving dinner) we were able to partner with San Diego County Parks and Recreation to provide not only pies but full Thanksgiving meals to 23 families," said Heather Mitchell.

The colorful packages are prepared with the friendly artwork of the STEM Academy. The food delivery happened Monday, Nov. 21 with the help of community partners from Albertsons, Dennys, Fallbrook STEM Academy (they made the artwork attached to the pies), Legacy Endowment, the Foundation for Senior Care, Fallbrook Health District, Snowline Orchard in Oak Glen (provided apple pies), and the Fallbrook Senior Center. Heather Mitchell said, "What great community partners we have. The hugs, tears, and smiles we received were priceless. Truly grateful to work in this town!"