Thankful With A Side Of Joy: Bakersfield Non-Profits Serve Thanksgiving Community Dinners

In Bakersfield, California, the spirit of Thanksgiving was alive and well as local non-profits came together to serve community dinners to those in need. The Mission at Kern County, a long-standing organization, has been providing Thanksgiving meals for 72 years, and this year they aimed to serve 600 meals. Volunteers, including local officials and community members, gathered to ensure that everyone felt the warmth of the holiday.

Key Takeaways

The Mission at Kern County has served Thanksgiving meals for 72 years.
Over 600 meals were prepared for the community this year.
Local volunteers, including District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer, participated in serving meals.
The event emphasized kindness and community support.

A Tradition of Giving

The Mission at Kern County has been a beacon of hope for the homeless and those in need for over seven decades. This year, they prepared to serve 600 meals, showcasing their commitment to the community. Attendee John Ensor expressed gratitude, highlighting the importance of remembering military personnel and first responders during the holiday season.

Volunteers Make It Happen

An army of dedicated volunteers began serving meals at 11 a.m., and within just eight minutes, they ran out of seats. Chef Lavonne Jarrow, who once benefited from the Mission’s services, now gives back by helping others. "I wanna be a blessing to somebody ’cause somebody blessed me and helped me to get where I am today," she shared.

District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer also joined the effort, serving green beans and expressing her joy in helping those striving to improve their lives. Volunteer Andrew Villalobos added, "It’s just a good deed to do and just to be nice."

Special Attention to Families

Families, particularly mothers with children staying at the Recovery Home, were prioritized in the meal service. Attendees left not only with a warm meal but also with new coats, socks, and a sense of community. The event was not just about food; it was about sharing smiles and kindness.

Spreading Holiday Cheer

In addition to the meals, Bakersfield Christian High School students contributed by making Christmas cards for seniors, emphasizing the message of love and care. Senior Petra Mar Vandermerwe stated, "To show the love of God and that he loves everyone and cares about everyone."

Ezra, a young attendee, expressed her joy in getting her hair colored on Thanksgiving and shared her gratitude for family, highlighting the personal connections fostered during the event.

Blessing Corner: A Heartfelt Initiative

Another significant contributor to the Thanksgiving spirit was Blessing Corner, which began 28 years ago at Bonnie Turner’s dinner table. Turner emphasized the importance of feeding those in need, stating, "This is in our heart to feed folks. It’s in our heart to help folks. So many people are having a hard time, not having what they need for their families."

Conclusion

As Thanksgiving comes to a close, the need for kindness and community support remains ever-present in Bakersfield. The efforts of local non-profits and volunteers serve as a reminder of the power of compassion and the importance of coming together to uplift those in need. The holiday may have passed, but the spirit of giving continues to thrive in the hearts of many.