San Benito Housing Authority staff prepare meals for tenants and fellow employees alike during their annual Thanksgiving luncheon last week. (Staff photos by Heather Cathleen Cox)
By HEATHER CATHLEEN COX
Staff Writer
reporter@sbnewspaper.com
For 20 years, an effort has been made by the City of San Benito Housing Authority, which has partnered with the San Benito Police Officers Association and Walmart, to provide a delectable Thanksgiving feast to elderly public housing residents.
This week, In Good Taste is written in honor of those involved in making the Thanksgiving of around 130 individuals a little happier.
“It’s something we do every year,” said San Benito Police Department Operations Chief Martin Morales. “It’s our way of sharing.” Chief Morales is referencing the overall theme of gift-giving and breaking bread with friends, encompassed in this annual affair.
Arnold Padilla, executive director of the housing authority, said over 130 elderly individuals live in San Benito public housing dwellings. “Many residents have very few next of kin nearby and are alone,” said Padilla. “In order to give them a happy Thanksgiving, we (host this event where) they come out and have some happiness and joy in times that might be difficult otherwise.”
This luncheon, which was held Tuesday, Nov. 20, is financially supported by the San Benito Police Officers Association. SBPD Internal Affairs Detective Rogelio Banda, Jr. said, “Every year, we get an invitation from the housing authority to participate in the event. They tell us what they need, we clear it with the police union and we make the purchase at Walmart.” Detective Banda mentioned that Walmart in San Benito generously absorbs half of the cost of the items purchased for the luncheon.
The police association purchased a total of 11 turkeys and the following side dishes: green beans, corn, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, pies, whipped cream, rolls and cranberry sauce. No expense was spared, nor any traditional food item omitted from the menu, and having been served a gigantic helping of food, might I add the taste was also excellent.
Padilla also mentioned that being alone during the holidays can yield symptoms of depression. He said it is his sincere hope that this meal promotes friendship among neighbors. He said, “The event clearly lifts their spirits.”
All of the food is graciously prepared by the hands of those who work for the housing authority. “The housing authority staff takes time from their schedules to plan and coordinate this event with the police,” said Padilla.
Housing authority employees not only arrive at 8 a.m. to prepare the meal, they also dish the food onto plates and serve each individual resident. The turkeys, however, are prepared by a local facility; this year, La Especial Bakery of San Benito cooked the birds. Before the meal was served, resident Cristela Mungia eloquently said grace, in Spanish.
As each individual entered the building, tickets were provided. After pie was served, a drawing commenced and ticket numbers were called. Prizes, gifts and baskets of food – including two packages, each containing a turkey with all the trimmings – were gifted to those whose numbers were called, all the while a sentimental video of photos from Thanksgiving feasts past was played for remembrance’s sake.
Padilla said the organization delivers take-home plates to elderly residents who are otherwise unable to leave their homes due to health reasons.
Director of Public Housing Judith Medina said, “The residents and staff look forward to being here. They catch up with friends they haven’t seen, who maybe moved to other (public housing) developments. Some are more home-bound,” she added. “It’s a pleasure to see them all.”
Detective Banda said, “SBPD tries to assist the community, especially the elderly. We want to make sure they spend the holiday with first responders.”
Banda commented, “Although the association is voluntary, around 80 percent of officers join.” He explained that any officer in good standing with the department who pays their dues can be a part of this union. The detective continued by saying, “With the dues collected, we are able to sponsor these types of events.”
Not being a San Benito native, this was my first year breaking bread with individuals from the housing authority, the residents therein and individuals from the police department. It truly warmed my heart to see so many people selflessly offering a part of themselves back to the community they already serve. It also brought joy to my spirit to see residents laughing, feasting and in at least one case, shedding tears of happiness.
This event is truly set up as a one-day-a-year restaurant, which I am going to award with this year’s “Biggest Heart Award” (which is not technically anything beyond the title itself and has no plaque, trophy or physical award associated with the title; it’s just meant as a symbol from this reviewer to those involved, from my heart to theirs).
So until we meet again, let’s keep it in good taste.
Read this story in the Nov. 28 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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