Local children enjoy volunteering to spray whipped cream on pumpkin pies. (File photo)
By Ashley Beebe, Correspondent
Menifee residents are invited to enjoy a free meal on Thanksgiving Day at the Kay Ceniceros Senior Center, sponsored by the Menifee Interfaith and Community Service Council.
The annual event began in 2014 as an idea from Menifee residents Tony and Rosa Falco. The event has taken place each year on the holiday and has become something families look forward to.
“They wanted to do something in the way of giving back to the community by putting on free meals,” said Gloria Sanchez, co-chair of the Menifee Interfaith and Community Service Council.
To receive a free traditional Thanksgiving meal, residents must make a reservation with the Senior Center by calling 951-672-9673 and choosing a mealtime, either at 11:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. First responders are invited to enjoy a meal at any time.
Residents who aren’t able to attend the event in person can sign up to receive a meal delivery through the Senior Center. Sanchez’s son, Jonathan DeLeon, leads a team that delivers meals across the city.
For those who would like to serve, the Council is accepting volunteers for either mealtimes or the whole day. High school students are also encouraged to volunteer; they can receive volunteer hours for school. Sanchez said many local families volunteer every year and she enjoys watching them grow. To sign up, email Sanchez at joe.gloriaj@verizon.net.
“We are very fortunate that we have a lot of people here in the City of Menifee who want to give up their time to spend with us,” she said. “It takes a village to do this.”
To make this event possible, Sanchez and her co-chair, Linda Blanche, fundraise all year, telling anyone who will listen about the program. All donations go toward feeding people on Thanksgiving.
Sanchez said the Council is very fortunate for their sponsors this year, which include Ares Industrial Management, Southern California Edison, and more.
“They make this happen,” she said.
The City of Menifee also plays a big role, allowing the Council to use the Senior Center every year at no cost. City staff members also help with the event.
Menifee Valley Lions Club members volunteer their time by plating meals provided by Thomas Catering before volunteers hand out plates and drinks.
The Council expects to serve hundreds of meals this year, and Sanchez said they will feed as many people as they can. Residents are encouraged to reserve their seats as soon as possible and volunteers are urged to sign up as well.
