Gallery: Thousands enjoy Thanksgiving meal at Lemoore traditional holiday event
The annual meal traditionally provides a place to go for those who want to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner. The public has always been welcome, including seniors and military personnel and their families. Takeout meals and home deliveries were made available in the Hanford and Lemoore area for anyone who couldn’t make it to the Lemoore Senior Center.
“We always plan for about 2,000,” said Walt Kendall, one of the founders of the annual free Thanksgiving dinner, which began 18 years ago at the Masonic Lodge and now housed at the Senior Center for several years.
Joining Kendall and his original cohorts were members of the Lemoore Lions Club, local foreign exchange students, and a myriad of volunteers who did everything from prepare food to taking orders for takeout and free delivery.
Organizers say they planned to deliver approximately 500 meals. The annual dinner also sent 300 meals to Avenal and 150 to Kettleman City.
About 700 pounds of turkey were prepared to go along with the potatoes, green beans, and other items. “It’s wonderful to see people that are appreciative of the meal,” said one of the organizers of this year’s event, Margaret Lohry. “I want them to feel that they’re special. That’s why we have so many volunteers.”
Major donors included the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino as well as many local businesses, churches, and individuals. The good news is that all the leftovers are head to the Hanford Soup Kitchen.
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