Ponce Perez, 9, enjoys a Thanksgiving meal Thursday at The Salvation Army on Park Avenue in El Centro. (Joselito Villero) |
Scores of locals gathered near Adams Park in El Centro to savor The Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving turkey dinner plates and live music on Thursday.
“Yes, it’s good. I love pie,” said El Centro resident Martha Villa, as a volunteer handed her a slice.
Villa has taken part in The Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving dinner with her husband for the past three years. She said they are retired and think it’s a great event. Villa said everyone, regardless of background, is invited, which makes it welcoming.
“It’s great — they set a good example,” Villa said in Spanish over a dinner plate. “They don’t make distinctions. Everyone’s invited to eat.”
Capt. Jerry Esqueda, of The Salvation Army of Imperial County, said the Thanksgiving dinner has been available to the public for 20 years. He said local residents and businesses donated food items and money for the event. He said this year’s free Thanksgiving dinner has special importance to many locals in 2010.
“The economy is so bad here in the Valley,” Esqueda said. “This Thanksgiving is extra special. So many people are out of work, food and finances.”
He said he was grateful for the community members who made the donations to make the free dinner possible. He said those who donated made a difference in the Valley for those in need.
“This is from the community to the community,” Esqueda said. “I just thank God for them and the love of people who are giving to the community they live in.”
Thursday’s dinner featured live music, jumpers for kids, parting gifts and a full, traditional Thanksgiving meal. Jesus Leyva, of El Centro, sat at one of the tables and was finishing off his meal with a slice of pumpkin pie.
“I think it’s good that The Salvation Army is helping us out, and the food is great,” Leyva said in Spanish.
Esqueda said the Thanksgiving dinner gives people a sense of belonging with warm meals, company, entertainment and gifts.
“This is one way they are helped and loved,” Esqueda said. “People can come in and feel like a family.”
Staff Writer David Steffen can be reached at 760-337-3452 or dsteffen@ivpressonline.com
“Yes, it’s good. I love pie,” said El Centro resident Martha Villa, as a volunteer handed her a slice.
Villa has taken part in The Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving dinner with her husband for the past three years. She said they are retired and think it’s a great event. Villa said everyone, regardless of background, is invited, which makes it welcoming.
“It’s great — they set a good example,” Villa said in Spanish over a dinner plate. “They don’t make distinctions. Everyone’s invited to eat.”
Capt. Jerry Esqueda, of The Salvation Army of Imperial County, said the Thanksgiving dinner has been available to the public for 20 years. He said local residents and businesses donated food items and money for the event. He said this year’s free Thanksgiving dinner has special importance to many locals in 2010.
“The economy is so bad here in the Valley,” Esqueda said. “This Thanksgiving is extra special. So many people are out of work, food and finances.”
He said he was grateful for the community members who made the donations to make the free dinner possible. He said those who donated made a difference in the Valley for those in need.
“This is from the community to the community,” Esqueda said. “I just thank God for them and the love of people who are giving to the community they live in.”
Thursday’s dinner featured live music, jumpers for kids, parting gifts and a full, traditional Thanksgiving meal. Jesus Leyva, of El Centro, sat at one of the tables and was finishing off his meal with a slice of pumpkin pie.
“I think it’s good that The Salvation Army is helping us out, and the food is great,” Leyva said in Spanish.
Esqueda said the Thanksgiving dinner gives people a sense of belonging with warm meals, company, entertainment and gifts.
“This is one way they are helped and loved,” Esqueda said. “People can come in and feel like a family.”
Staff Writer David Steffen can be reached at 760-337-3452 or dsteffen@ivpressonline.com
