Thanksgiving Hearts Ro Khanna: In the heart of the South Bay, this Thanksgiving witnessed local leaders stepping forward, generously volunteering their time to serve meals to those in need. Representative Ro Khanna (CA-17) and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, advocates for community welfare, drew attention to the pressing needs during this holiday season. Tracy Weatherby, Vice President of Strategy and Advocacy at Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, emphasized, “We’re serving half a million people every month, akin to the peak of the pandemic, grappling with inflation and reduced government benefits.”
Second Harvest of Silicon Valley maintains its mission of year-round family nourishment, with a heightened focus during the holiday season. Hundreds of dedicated volunteers are collaborating to assemble food boxes for families in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties this Thanksgiving. Rep. Ro Khanna, representing Silicon Valley’s 17th district, expressed his commitment, stating, “I volunteered here to underscore the importance of serving families. In a region of immense affluence, there are still many with unmet needs.”
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Adding to the compassionate efforts, PATH, a San Jose-based homeless services agency, hosted a Thanksgiving dinner at PATH Villas. Patti Fradenburg, a resident at the permanent affordable housing site for seniors, shared, “Events like these bring us together, fostering a sense of community. Whether it’s an ice cream afternoon or a dinner, it resonates, reminding us of our shared presence.”
Mayor Mahan, along with his family, actively participated in the dinner, serving meals and engaging with those benefiting from the city’s partnerships with organizations like PATH. Reflecting on the experience, Mahan highlighted, “We’re serving an older population grappling with housing insecurity and health issues. Connecting directly with those we aim to help, sharing this with my kids, holds significant meaning.”
Even now, Second Harvest encourages people to volunteer and contribute financially to support families in need.
Our Reader’s Queries
Is Ro Khanna a socialist?
Khanna’s experience includes serving as the deputy assistant secretary in the United States Department of Commerce under President Barack Obama from August 8, 2009, to August 2011. Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Khanna identifies as a progressive capitalist and advocates for a “new economic patriotism” as a governing philosophy.
Is Ro Khanna married?
Ro Khanna, a Congressman representing California’s 17th Congressional District, is currently in his fourth term. This district is situated in the bustling hub of Silicon Valley.