Hundreds are served Thanksgiving meal at El Caldito kitchen

When giving thanks for all that you and your family have, it’s important to remember those less fortunate. In Las Cruces, the city’s largest community kitchen took on providing for hundreds for the holiday.

The El Caldito Soup Kitchen in central Las Cruces puts on a heck of a Thanksgiving lunch for anyone who needs it. And ABC-7’s Andrew J. Polk got involved on the serving line to see just what is involved in making it happen.

The kitchen at El Caldito becomes a well tuned machine for holidays like Thanksgiving, turning out trays of turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings served up by a team of over 100 volunteers.

“There’s a certain air about El Caldito and the people who volunteer here and the people who come to enjoy the meals,” said Ann Palormo, co-chair at El Caldito. “It’s just a really special segment of Las Cruces.”

This Thanksgiving, they expected to serve over 300 people, lined up on a gloomy Thursday morning. Seeing the faces of those getting the meals, it was obvious how much a holiday gesture could mean to those who really mean it.

“I’m thankful for the lord giving me every day that I live,” said Johnny Maese while enjoying lunch, “and thank you for the blessing that he’s gave me with my children.”

While it’s definitely appropriate to give back for thanks giving, the leadership of El Caldito pointed out this is an every day issue, not just on the holidays.

“We do need volunteers every single day. We are open for lunch 7 days a week, every day of the year. And it’s volunteers that make it happen,” said Sandy Murray, board member of El Caldito. “It’s particularly short on weekends, so we are always welcoming volunteers on weekends.”

So as you give thanks, think again of those in need. If you’re interested in helping out any time of year, you can contact El Caldito by emailing Tonya at elcaldito@yahoo.com, or by calling Martin at (575) 525-3831