A Thanksgiving holiday tradition continues as 2,000 meals served at Senior Center

While there few golfers visiting from next door, there were plenty of others who took advantage of the holiday meal as a core group of about 100 volunteers provided over 2,000 meals on the day to a wide variety of folks, including sending 150 meals to Kettleman City and 300 to Avenal.

One of the initial organizers of the annual event – and he’s still doing it after 17 years – says that they’ll keep doing it if people keep coming. “They don’t have to call up,” said Walt Kendall who probably sliced the first piece of turkey 17 years ago, and no doubt sliced a few on Thursday. “They just show up and go eat.”

The meals are provided for by generous donations from local businesses, individuals, and organizations. Take outs were also available and there were home deliveries for folks who couldn’t make it to the Lemoore Senior Center.

“This year’s dinner is just as positive as the first year,” said Kendall. “The first year we served 250 meals and this year we’re planning on 2,000, so it’s grown quite a bit over the years.”