Hawthorne hosted several Thanksgiving‑era events intended to support residents and honor veterans, including the city's 18th annual Operation Gobble, a large giveaway at the Betty Ainsworth Sports Center, a Veterans of Foreign Wars Thanksgiving luncheon and a long‑running community luncheon organized by the Hawthorne Lawndale Ministerial Association.

Anchor Sam Vargas said the city held its 18th annual Operation Gobble to help local residents. A city organizer told HCTV she partners with local churches to distribute turkeys through congregations; the anchor reported about 250 turkeys were donated to Hawthorne churches and city employees. Jason Reynoso, reporting on a second giveaway at the Betty Ainsworth Sports Center, said "over 500 turkeys and other food products" were donated by various organizations and that each family could take one turkey plus additional produce.

"It's a time of need, and we know with all that's going on in the world," a city volunteer said, describing the event as a way to help those less fortunate. Participants and organizers said they planned to continue the giveaway next year.

Ashley Romero reported on a Veterans of Foreign Wars Thanksgiving luncheon that served nearly 100 South Bay veterans. Post leaders and volunteers described months of planning and cooking; leaders said the event helps veterans feel supported and reminded those present they are not forgotten. The transcript notes Congresswoman Maxine Waters attended the luncheon, and a speaker thanked veterans and said they were working to ensure promised services reach veterans.

The Hawthorne Lawndale Ministerial Association also hosted a Thanksgiving luncheon attended by volunteers and residents; organizers said the event has run for more than 25 years and brings together multiple congregations and community organizations. The Hawthorne Police Department used the gathering as outreach, describing the event as a chance to engage residents outside of routine patrol duties.

A post‑holiday 5K and beer run at Common Space Brewery combined fitness and fundraising; organizers said proceeds benefit local nonprofits (the report names East LA Rising and another local group). Organizers and participants described the run as a community event that also raises money for local programs.

City leaders also announced a Winter Wonderland at City Hall on December 19 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with carnival games, food and photos with Santa; the city provided a contact number for more information.

For HCTV, Jason Reynoso and Ashley Romero reported on these events.