Thanksgiving: Itβs the all-American holiday centered around family, friends and food.
Tucsonans can find all three at local community events as well as multiple opportunities to put the βgivingβ back into the holiday season.
A cornerstone of Thanksgiving tradition in South Tucson, the βCeci and Pepe BarrΓ³n Thanksgiving in the Barrio,β will celebrate 17 years of providing dinner and other festivities on Nov. 24.
The event has expanded to include mariachi, folklΓ³rico and other entertainment, as well as raffles and a resource fair, according to coordinator Raul Bueno. Last year the celebration served about 2,000 people β including homeless people, low-income seniors and many βworking poorβ families, Bueno said.
While many who attend the celebration are low-income, Bueno emphasized the event caters to a diverse crowd. βThe idea is to help everyone. They all know about the event. This is the only Thanksgiving in the Barrio and they look forward to it every year,β he said.
Previously organized by Luz Social Services, which closed its doors earlier this year, the event is now sponsored by The Southside Coalition, Pepe BarrΓ³n Academy, El Pueblo Neighborhood Center and the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation.
Bueno said the community is grateful to the organizations that have come forward to continue the legacy of service started nearly 20 years ago.
βWe wanted to continue this event because it is a very old tradition that is very important to us. Many people in South Tucson donβt have another opportunity to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner, so we donβt want to stop the event,β Bueno said.
This year, at least 125 turkeys are needed to feed the expected crowd, along with at least 100 frozen pumpkin and fruit pies, whipped topping and canned goods.
Armory Park event
Residents in need in Armory Park and surrounding areas will have an new option for a holiday dinner with the Free Community Thanksgiving Meal & Promotora Program on Nov. 23.
The event is sponsored by Portable Practical Educational Preparation, which provides support for a group of volunteer community health advisors known as Promotoras de la Communidad. The grassroots event will include a health and resource fair and expects to attract at least 1,000 people during its inaugural year, according to volunteer Mary Ornelas.
βFrom the feedback we are getting, there is a lot of need in that area, especially among seniors, veterans and homeless people. We really want to provide the hot meal that will be lacking for these community residents and we think people will really enjoy being out with their neighbors and having a good meal. We also want people to see the mental health and medical resources available to them in the community,β Ornelas said.
With the event just 13 days away, Ornelas said two of the 120 turkeys needed have been donated. She is also seeking donations of store-bought pies, canned vegetables, boxed mashed potatoes and contributions of cash, as well as volunteers to assist with cooking and serving.
Salvation Army dinner
Need for turkeys is equally dire at the Salvation Army. At least 300 turkeys, 500 pre-baked, store-bought pies and all the fixings are needed for the 31st Annual Salvation Army Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Nov. 26 at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 1145 E. Fort Lowell Road.
The largest holiday celebration citywide β and the only one to serve a traditional feast on Thanksgiving Day β is expecting to serve about 4,000 free meals, according Shawna Kroh, public relations director.
More than 200 volunteers come together to stage the event; many bring children and family members to βlearn to give back.β Kroh said the atmosphere is that of a close-knit family that has come together to celebrate.
