Lemoore annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner fosters spirit of giving

LEMOORE, Calif. (KFSN) -- The 14th annual Thanksgiving Community Dinner at the Lemoore Senior Center brings together anyone in the community looking for a holiday meal.

Many of the volunteers at the dinner are kids and they're gaining a new perspective of Thanksgiving through their service.

"I think this is actually a good place to be especially for Thanksgiving because people get to eat and you can actually help out," said 10-year-old volunteer Ryan McKenzie.

"I think we underestimate young people so when you see them like this it's really nice to see them in a positive light," said Troy Celis who was served by McKenzie.

Everyone who comes to eat is served their meal. It's a typical Thanksgiving fest with turkey, ham, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy. When they're done eating, volunteers bring them either pumpkin pie or cake.

"It warms my heart, it's great to have the kids here because we are instilling in them a tradition of service and our love for the community," said organizer Sharon Kendall.

Organizers start planning the meal each year in August. They also do take-out orders and home deliveries for those who can't make it out of their homes. All the food is made possible by donations.

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