More than 50 UCOP volunteers got into the spirit of Thanksgiving a little early this year, when they helped serve turkey dinners, complete with sides and pumpkin pie for dessert, to Oakland seniors, low-income families and homeless citizens.

The event was the city’s 23rd annual Thanksgiving Dinner and Coat Give-Away at the Marriott City Center, Tuesday, Nov. 25, where UC President Janet Napolitano and Oakland Mayor Jean Quan also made appearances.

UCOP Policy Resource Coordinator Michael Kusiak organized UCOP’s participation in the event, which also brought in more than 100 gently used coats to donate to the cause.

“We had a great group of volunteers,” Kusiak said. “It was a great way to kick off a season of being mindful and grateful, and an easy way to get involved with the Oakland community we work in.”

Sponsors of the event included the Department of Human Services, the Community Action Partnership, the Hunger and Homeless Program, the Communities United Committee, the Golden State Warriors, the Oakland Raiders and the Emergency Food Providers Advisory Committee.

Check out the above slideshow for more on the event.