SAN ANTONIO \u2013 Volunteers are working around the clock to prepare what will be the largest Raul Jimenez Thanksgiving Dinner, with plans to serve nearly 30,000 people this Thursday.<\/p>\n
The annual San Antonio tradition, which began in 1979 when restaurant owner Raul Jimenez sought to feed elderly and less fortunate residents, has grown to become one of the largest Thanksgiving benefits in the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is what one man started, but it\u2019s now a San Antonio tradition,\u201d said Patricia Jimenez, daughter of Raul Jimenez Sr. <\/p>\n
This year\u2019s event will serve approximately 29,000 people in person and deliver meals to 4,600 homebound residents, marking the largest attendance in the dinner\u2019s history.<\/p>\n
The preparation effort has scaled up significantly to meet increased demand.<\/p>\n
Organizers have purchased 678 turkeys this year, up from 550 in 2024.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you hear the desperation in people\u2019s voices, you realize that there\u2019s going to be a greater need,\u201d Jimenez said.<\/p>\n
About 4,000 volunteers will work throughout the week to prepare the massive feast.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got all kinds of volunteers coming from across the city,\u201d said Tracey Wright-Grabatin, a volunteer coordinator. \u201cIt takes a village to make this happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
The event, which provides a free Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, has become a cornerstone of community service in San Antonio.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is so amazing to see people give their time to come and help and serve the greater good,\u201d said volunteer Dani Sales. \u201cEvery year our volunteer pool gets bigger and bigger.\u201d<\/p>\n
For the Jimenez family, the growing attendance and volunteer numbers are a strong indicator that Raul would be happy with their current mission.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was his goal, to always do more, to serve more,\u201d Patricia Jimenez said. \u201cHe and my mom would be absolutely delighted that the community continues to come together.\u201d<\/p>\n
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