Christmas can wait; spirit of Thanksgiving lingers in Menifee

Some of the many volunteers who served Thanksgiving Day meals were recognized at the annual Menifee turkey dinner. Photos by Kristen Spoon

Thanksgiving sometimes seems to get lost in the frantic rush to prepare for Christmas, but one annual event in Menifee creates a sense of community that carries all through the holiday season.

More than 100 volunteers gave up part of their Thanksgiving Day last week to help serve free turkey dinners to nearly 400 residents in what is fast becoming a tradition in the city. The event was created three years ago by Tony Falco, owner of Accurate Leak Locators Inc. plumbing company in Menifee. Since then, the number of volunteers and recipients of the meal continues to grow.

The event is funded by the Falco family and planning is coordinated by members of the Menifee Interfaith Council. Gloria Sanchez and Linda Blanche supervised the large group of volunteers, who served guests in three shifts throughout the afternoon at Kay Ceniceros Senior Center.

Menifee Mayor Neil Winter and City Council members Lesa Sobek and Greg August were in attendance, along with Nico Melendez, husband of state Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez. Volunteers included people of all ages, including young children who enjoyed spraying whipped cream topping on slices of pumpkin pie.

“This is a dream my wife and I had many years ago,” Falco told the guests before the first meals were served. “We finally put it together, and this is our third annual event. I hope to see 100 of them. We have an extreme amount to be thankful for, and I appreciate everybody here. Look around you and say thank you, because every one of you are important.”

Guests were asked in advance to make reservations for one of the three seatings, but no one was charged for the meal and no one was turned away, no matter how many showed up at any one time.

“This has continued to happen because of the generosity of businesses like the one that Tony and Rosa Falco have,” Sobek said.

From left: Neil Winter, Rosa Falco, Tony Falco, Gloria Sanchez, Lesa Sobek, Greg August.

City of Menifee staff member Gina Gonzalez helps her son Elias spray whipped cream on some pumpkin pie.

Grateful residents enjoy a great meal and time together on Thanksgiving Day.