LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – “Times are tough for so many, and this is what we do, this is our jam. We help where we’re needed.”
Salvation Army members and volunteers opened their doors and their hearts to community members on Thursday, for their annual Thanksgiving lunch.
“We’ve been prepping this for the last couple of weeks,” Erica Perry said. “We’re doing a traditional meal. We’re doing turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, rolls, and then we’ve got German chocolate cake or for our pumpkin pie lovers, we’ve got plenty of that.”
Perry is the director of operations for the Salvation Army in Lubbock. She’s spent each of the past 10 years cooking and preparing all that food, usually joined by her husband and their seven children. Perry says she wouldn’t change it for the world.
“These are my people,” Perry said, “and I love being here. Anybody can tell you, I love what i do. I love being here and being around them for the holidays.”
What this Thanksgiving lunch truly showcases, more than anything else, is how a sense of community can bring people together.
“The thing about all of our friends here is they are one big happy family,” Perry said, “and just to see them fellowship and laugh and giggle and just feel relaxed and at home is amazing. It’s amazing for all of the staff here to see and witness and our volunteers. They love being a part of it because they can clearly see the smiles on their faces and know that they’re making that lasting impact.”
This time of year is associated with joy and happiness, but some people may have trouble finding it. That’s why the Salvation Army is here, not just today, but every day for those who need it, with this community lunch giving them a chance to provide that joy the best way they can.
“These guys need us and I want them to know they’re my family, too, and I want to be here with them as well.”
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