Chairmen for the Community Thanksgiving Dinner are getting a late start this year since Co-Chairman Roger Pedroza has had some health issues this year. Even so, Pedroza claims he is up for it and it will continue as usual for the eleventh year.
“Health issues are still a factor,” Pedroza said, “but it’s my heart that wants to continue doing the event.”
The dinner will take place at the St. Joseph’s parish hall at 108 S. Washington St in Devine from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving day, Thursday, November 22nd. A limited number of plates will be delivered to the homebound only who would otherwise miss the holiday.
The last time around, they served over 800 plates costing between $5,000 and $6,000 total. There is some money left over from last time around but more is needed. Previous sponsors are encouraged to step up to the plate.
Normally they start asking for donations and preparing in September but because of the questions about Roger’s health they held off. Many volunteers are needed on Wednesday, November 21st to assist with preparation, everything from setting up the tables to peeling potatoes, and baking the turkeys. Thanksgiving Day they will need volunteers to assist in serving the dinner and helping keep the hall in good order. Friday is clean-up day when the hall will receive a good cleaning to put everything back where it belongs.
If you are able to donate in any way, either physically by helping or monetarily to cover the costs, please contact one of the following people: Roger Pedroza at 210-215-7955, Charlie Alvarado at 210-846-6255, Pat West at 210-394-3652 or Juan Cuellar at 210-415-9898.
Please remember that they are planning to execute this in a very limited time frame so it will take a great effort to accomplish everything that needs to be done. The dinner is open to everyone in the community. Many who participate would be alone on the holiday if not for this dinner or are unable to celebrate Thanksgiving on their own for some reason.
This is a community event for all the surrounding area. St. Joseph Catholic Church donates the use of the Parish Hall every year while Natalia Junior High School Cafeteria has been allowing the committee to use their kitchen for portions of the preparation. The City of Devine has offered the use of the Community Center but kitchen facilities and refrigeration are required.
Students who need community service hours can snag a number of those required by offering their services by volunteering.
