-Editorial
For three decades, Calexico Neighborhood House has been at the heart of the community’s Thanksgiving celebrations, offering a warm meal and a sense of togetherness to those in need. This year, the tradition continues, with the event expanding to serve approximately 600 attendees at the Calexico Community Center.
At 10 a.m. sharp, the doors opened and a big lines of families and senior citizens walked to take a seat. One of the first ones was Arturo Gutierrez who came to this event for the first time.
“The food is good and I hope they continue helping the community, Gutierrrez said.
“This all started 30 years ago at the Neighborhood House,” shared Cindy Alba, Executive Director of Calexico Neighborhood House. “We began serving meals because many of the senior residents living next door didn’t have anywhere to go for Thanksgiving. Over time, the need grew beyond just the seniors, and we outgrew the space. That’s when we moved it to the Community Center.”
With the support of 50 dedicated volunteers, the event is a significant undertaking. “Without them, this wouldn’t be possible,” Alba said. “It’s really a win-win for our volunteers because I believe they feel great about what they’re doing. Instead of staying home or doing something else, they’re here helping the Calexico Neighborhood House make this event happen.”
The Thanksgiving meal offered to attendees is a feast in every sense of the word. “We provide everything: turkey, cranberry sauce, gravy, green beans, mashed potatoes, pie, coffee—you name it. It’s a complete meal for everyone,” Alba added.
Among the dedicated helpers were Calexico High School seniors Catalina Arelleno and Siu-Sin Herrera, whose enthusiasm embodied the spirit of the holiday season.
Catalina, who was volunteering for the first time, shared her motivation for helping out. “I think it’s a really good thing to help out the community, especially during the holidays when some people don’t have what we’re used to having, like a family dinner. So, I think it’s nice being able to share that with them,” she said.
Siu-Sin echoed her classmate’s sentiments, highlighting how events like this foster a sense of togetherness. “It’s a really good way to bring the community together, especially for those who might not have the opportunity to be with others and have a dinner or lunch like this. It’s a great thing for everyone,” she said.
This year’s event drew nearly 600 attendees and relied on the efforts of more than 50 volunteers, ranging from students to community members.
“This year, on Thanksgiving Day, we’re grateful once again for Neighborhood House and its ability to serve the community,” said Michael Castillo, Vice President of the Neighborhood House Board. “Many people in need of a meal or struggling financially rely on this event. I’m thankful for the Neighborhood House, our community, and all the volunteers and students who help make this possible.”
Preparations for the event have been underway for days. Volunteers and staff have worked tirelessly to cook turkeys, organize meals, and ensure everything is ready to provide a complete Thanksgiving feast. This includes turkey, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and pie.
Castillo said the key to the success of the event is the support from local organizations, including multiple motorcycle clubs from Imperial County, Mexicali, and Yuma. These clubs coordinated a Turkey Run, donating 60 turkeys to Neighborhood House. “They pick up the turkeys, load them into several trucks, and deliver them to organizations like ours,” Castillo explained.
