A Tradition of Gratitude: Foster Road’s Thanksgiving Celebration Marks 30 Years 

For 30 years, Foster Road Elementary School in La Mirada has kept a cherished tradition alive — the annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Family Resource Fair. What began as a small school gathering has grown into a heartfelt celebration of community, connection, and shared purpose.

Originally founded by Oscar Diaz, a community leader known for his compassion and service, the event has long reflected the spirit of Foster Road’s mascot — the Stars — shining brightly in support of one another.

Pastor Jack Miranda, who helps lead the effort, describes the celebration as “a way to bring the community together and remind families that they’re not alone — we’re here for each other.” He also acknowledges that “there’s always more work to be done,” emphasizing the ongoing goal to “move the needle forward.”

Foster Road remains La Mirada’s only Title I school, serving a hardworking and diverse group of families. However, enrollment has declined in recent years — a challenge that underscores the importance of events like this one in strengthening relationships and keeping the school at the heart of the neighborhood.

While the dinner once featured a traditional Thanksgiving meal, organizers noticed that many children weren’t eating it. About eight years ago, the team decided to switch things up — partnering with Chick-fil-A and playfully adapting the chain’s famous “Eat Mor Chikin” campaign by swapping the cow for a turkey. The change not only made the meal more familiar to kids but also added a touch of humor and creativity to the celebration.

That same year, the Family Resource Fair was introduced — transforming the event from a meal into a hub of opportunity. Local organizations, utilities, and service providers now set up tables to share programs that can enhance families’ quality of life, from dental care and mental health resources to city and energy assistance programs. By meeting representatives face-to-face, families can put a person to the programs — making help feel more human, approachable, and personal.

Longtime PTA leader and organizer Jodie Richardson continues to play a vital role, alongside a team of volunteers and generous donors who fund the event each year. Families can look forward to a photo booth, face painting from the La Mirada Arts Colony, and visits from local businesses, including the soon-to-open Northgate Market.

As the Foster Road Stars gather once again this November 20th, the event stands as a reminder that Thanksgiving is about more than food — it’s about fellowship, gratitude, and belonging. Because when a community comes together to share a meal, a smile, or a helping hand, the spirit of Thanksgiving spreads farther — and the community of Stars shines brighter.

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