Thanksgiving tradition for three decades: Arnold Schwarzenegger distributes turkeys

The former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger (77) has once again followed a moving tradition in his adopted hometown of Los Angeles. Shortly before Thanksgiving, the “Terminator” star distributed turkeys and other ingredients for a festive family meal to people in need in the low-income Boyle Heights neighborhood on Tuesday (November 26). According to their own statement, the “Styrian Oak”, which emigrated to the USA, has been following this beautiful tradition for over thirty years, and there is a special reason for this.

“When I came to America in 1968, I didn’t even know what Thanksgiving was,” Arnie told those in attendance during the turkey distribution. Back then, before his global success as a bodybuilder and later Hollywood star, the young immigrant experienced the generosity of his new compatriots.

“People from the gym just came to my empty apartment and brought sheets, silverware, dishes, food and a radio,” Schwarzenegger remembers. And further: “The generosity of the American people was so extraordinary. I will always remember these things.”

That’s why he’s been coming to the Hollenbeck Center in LA every year “for over 30 years” and handing out turkeys. “I had such a great time. I felt so good that I’ve been doing it every year since. For me, it’s a great, great joy to donate the turkeys again… because I know there’s something in this whole Season is about sharing.”

When Schwarzenegger put a turkey in the shopping cart of a woman present while distributing the food donations, he is said to have jokingly said: “Hasta la vista, baby.”