The celebration began well before the meal: the bass music from the parking lot cut through the quiet of a holiday morning as volunteers gathered around barbecue pits promising glistening turkey legs.
For volunteers at the annual Joe Salem Thanksgiving dinner, tradition is found not only in the customary food piled on plates, but also in the community among chefs, organizers, servers and pitmasters who facilitate the delivery of the free dinner through orchestrate a drive-thru.
According to the organizers, about forty volunteers came to lend a hand on Thursday. This year marked the 81st for the community pile, which honors the memory of the late Joe Salem, a local businessman and philanthropist.
Longtime volunteer Cheryl Goffigon checks Charlotte Darden’s gravy as they stir in hot water as they prepare meals for the 81st Joe Salem Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 28, 2024, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Among them were Cheryl Goffigon and Angela Hastings, both of whom started volunteering at the event about 30 years ago as part of their church group.
Goffigon attended every year and Hastings every other year, alternating with out-of-town family visits.
Every Thanksgiving is like a family reunion for the volunteers, Goffigon said.
“Anyone who has been here more than once or twice is like family,” she said. “When we see each other… we learn about (tragedy), we learn about joy, what people go through in life.”
It’s about bringing a smile to others, Hastings and Goffigon added.
“(People) receive what you give,” Hastings said. “When you spread joy and let them know you care and want to help, they receive it. … That’s what I believe.”
Outside, volunteers armed with walkie-talkies directed traffic into the Sokol gym parking lot as the line of vehicles backed out of the driveway onto the street.
Volunteer Kelly Segura hands out meals for Sokol Hall for the 81st Joe Salem Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 28, 2024 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
An announcer pumped up the crowd, urging waiting motorists to “honk when you’re ready to eat some turkey” — a call followed by a volley of honks.
Juan Ortiz, 67, was fourth in line for a record.
It was his second year taking out dinner, he said.
His wife has dementia and can no longer cook, Ortiz said, and he doesn’t know how to make a turkey.
“I really appreciate it,” he said, with his truck parked and windows open as he waited in line. “Every little bit helps.”
The event was a great success, organizer Lisa Saenz said Thursday afternoon, with about 548 signs distributed.
They plan to return next year, she added. Before his death, Saenz had given the word to Salem that she would continue the event.
“I’m a woman of my word,” Saenz said. “I’ll keep doing it… until my body says ‘no more.'”
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This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Food, family, community served at the Joe Salem Thanksgiving dinner
