HARLINGEN — Eddie Cruz had a fresh smile on his face.
He’d just found a job and he was feeling thankful for the security of steady income. Tuesday afternoon, he caught a ride with a coworker who was running an errand.
The ride would take them near Loaves and Fishes of the Rio Grande Valley, the homeless shelter and help center whose motto is “help and hope for the hungry, the homeless and the hurting.”
The co-worker dropped Cruz off at the facility at 514 S. E St. so he could enjoy a lunch of chicken nuggets, which he was still working on.
“I’m grateful for being alive,” Cruz said. “I am grateful for many things. I am grateful for going to church every Sunday. I am very optimistic that I just got a job.”
Thanksgiving, he said, is simply about being “thankful for all the things in your life. Thanksgiving is for family members and friends.”
Loaves and Fishes served up its annual Thanksgiving feast yesterday afternoon. But its kitchen is open year round.
On Tuesday, several men in blue work shirts stood at the serving line. They all worked for the same company and had volunteered their time.
“We just thought we can come out here and help the community,” said Joel Alfaro. “This is good. This is something we should be doing if we have the means of helping them.”
He, like many, said he was most thankful for his friends and family.
“Thanksgiving just means that we should be thankful and also that we appreciate everything that we can,” Alfaro said.
Some diners showed their patriotism as they described their gratitude.
“I am grateful for the founding fathers of this country, for their efforts,” said Jesus Escobedo, 50, whose parents immigrated from Mexico.
“We all live a free way of life for the efforts and sacrifices they made,” Escobedo said. “They ventured across the sea.”
More families flocked to Loaves and Fishes for the evening meal, which consisted of spaghetti or fried chicken.
Glenda Allen had just finished eating and wore what appeared to be a perpetual smile.
“I enjoy it all the time,” said Allen, 62, a life-long Harlingen resident. She was once homeless herself and understands the pain of those with whom she sometimes takes her meals.
“I have been homeless, me and my kids,” said Allen, who frequently volunteers at Loaves and Fishes.
Those “kids” with her on the streets so many years ago are now grown and have their own children.
“I have so many grandchildren I don’t know what to do,” she said with a laugh.
And that was what she was most thankful for, among other pleasures.
“I’m grateful for being able to breathe fresh air,” Allen said. “I am grateful for Loaves and Fishes for helping these homeless people.”
Elvira Castro was thankful for the opportunity to help people at the serving line.
“I have an 11-year-old daughter and my husband and my mother that I thank God every day for,” said Castro, 30.
