BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The Mission at Kern County has been serving Thanksgiving meals to the homeless for 72 years. In 2024, they plan to serve 600.
“A lot of people out here are blessed. One thing we gotta remember is our military, our first responders for keeping us safe and God bless Bako,” attendee John Ensor said.
An army of volunteers started serving meals at 11 a.m. They ran out of seats 8 minutes later.
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Chef Lavonne Jarrow went through the program at The Mission 23 years ago when she was homeless. She never left.
“I wanna be a blessing to somebody ’cause somebody blessed me and helped me to get where I am today,” said Jarrow.
The meal included turkey with all the fixins and District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer was serving green beans.
“We are so happy to be out here on Thanksgiving day helping people that are trying to do better in life,” Zimmer said.
But, they’re not just serving meals. Everyone here is serving smiles including volunteer Andrew Villalobos.
“It’s just a good deed to do and just to be nice,” said Villalobos.
Mothers, with their children staying at the Recovery Home, are served first.
People left with a new coat on their back, socks on their feet, and a warm embrace from someone sharing the good word.
Bakersfield Christian High School students made Christmas cards for seniors. “To show the love of God and that he loves everyone and cares about everyone,” BCHS Senior, Petra Mar Vandermerwe, said.
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Ezra says she loves getting her hair colored on Thanksgiving and she’s thankful for family.
It’s not just the Mission that serves hot meals and warm smiles.
Blessing Corner started at Bonnie Turner’s dinner table. 28 years later, she’s serving a lot more than seconds.
“This is in our heart to feed folks. It’s in our heart to help folks,” said Turner. “So many people are having a hard time, not having what they need for their families. So, this is why we continuously do what we do.”
Thanksgiving has come and gone another year, but the need for kindness has never been greater in Bakersfield.