Hundreds enjoyed Thanksgiving meals in San Francisco thanks to the generosity of armies of volunteers.
It’s an event that’s been serving up holiday meals to San Franciscans in need for more than five decades. Started by a well-known drag queen named Tenderloin Tessie, volunteers, many dressed in drag, welcomed hundreds.
“I love it. I love to come here. It’s a whole scenario the building the surroundings. The environment and we’re all welcome,” said Elizabeth Missamorp, a Tenderloin Tessie guest.
Volunteers say the need has never been greater. People lined up around the building for a spot at the Tenderloin Tessie Thanksgiving table.
“It’s important that you’re helping people out in this dire time knowing that SNAP is just getting back into the place. People are afraid because potentially their immigration status people are afraid just in general and this is a great place to be able to get a meal,” said Cesar Zepeda, a Tenderloin Tessie board member.
What makes this event extra special is that people can relax in the beautiful room, listen to live music and sit down and get table service as they enjoy a Thanksgiving meal.
“It’s ham this year. It’s really tasty. It’s smoked. It’s got a nice smoked flavor. Mashed potatoes, corn salad, bread, and butter,” Missamorp said.
Guests also got treated to free haircuts and got to stock up on donated clothing, plus they got to mingle with the Thanksgiving Turkey courtesy of volunteer Juan Davila.
Another San Francisco tradition was the lunch at Glide Memoria, where volunteers served up more than 2500 turkey meals. They say 30% more than last year.
“They wanna have a nice place to sit down have a warm meal a traditional Thanksgiving meal with turkey with gravy with biscuits and the works a traditional Thanksgiving meal on Thanksgiving Day. It means a whole lot of people and we’re glad to be here,” said Tri Nguyen with the Glide Memorial.
Thanks to the efforts of many, San Franciscans enjoyed filling their stomach and their hearts.