SPOKANE — While Thanksgiving is traditionally about sharing a meal with loved ones, not everyone has that opportunity. The Salvation Army in Spokane worked to change that Thursday by hosting a free community Thanksgiving dinner where everyone was welcome.
The organization prepared 400 meals for the event, which packed their gymnasium with people from diverse backgrounds coming together to celebrate the holiday. The free dinner ran from noon to 2 p.m., continuing a long-standing tradition of ensuring no one spends Thanksgiving alone.
“It’s so important to be together on a day like this. No one should be alone on Thanksgiving. And that’s why the Salvation Army opens our doors every year,” said Captain David Cane of the Salvation Army.
For Felcia Jorbon, this marked her first Thanksgiving in Spokane. She attended hoping to meet new people and connect with her new community.
“I’m really excited to come here and enjoy with those people, even though I don’t know them,” Jorbon said. “It’s really beautiful. I love it. I love the food.”
The event drew a wide range of attendees, including some with financial struggles and others who simply needed a place to spend the holiday.
Rick Cummings, who attended the meal, appreciated the sense of community. “It’s an honor to be here. And it’s so good to be among friends and family,” he said.
Young volunteer Kacee Monroe was participating in her third year helping with the event. When asked about the best part of volunteering, he said, “I would say everything. The people we serve, the people who help.”
For Jorbon, the experience highlighted the importance of community connection during the holidays. “Because some people, they don’t have family. So, it’s good to, you know, get together and get to know people,” she said.
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