Filling bellies in Merced on Thanksgiving

The Merced County Rescue Mission fed more than 1,000 people Thursday who may have otherwise gone without on Thanksgiving Day.

A long line of people stretched down Main Street as they waited to get a plate stacked with turkey, mashed potatoes and other fixings outside the American Legion Hall. Some came because they were hungry. Others came because they were lonely.

Millie Garibay, 58, of Merced said she used to volunteer for events such as the Thanksgiving meal, which provides a hot meal for the needy. But, in recent years, she’s found herself in the line for food.

Originally from the Bay Area, Garibay said, she lost her job a few years ago and can’t afford a big holiday meal. She’s got family in the area but their relationship is strained. “I feel comfortable here,” she said, holding back tears. “There’s no judgment, absolutely no judgment.”

This week’s meal was her third with the hundreds of others who come to eat. “You can’t ask for anything more. You walk in there, and you’re so at ease,” she said.

Also waiting outside just before the doors opened was Jason Keith of Merced. He said he was thinking about the food to come. “I look forward to the food, the clothes, maybe a jacket,” the 38-year-old said. “The food is good.”

The turnout for the meal seemed to be about average, according to Phil Schmauss, director of marketing for the mission. He said a few other community meals have sprung up around Merced, so that helps take some of the burden off the mission.

“This is just about people coming together in this community and providing for those that are hurting, those who are in need,” he said.

The meal typically draws between 1,000 and 1,200 people, some of them homeless and others who need a helping hand. There are 768 homeless people in Merced County, including 21 children, based on the 2014 Homeless Count and Survey.

Schmauss said the mission is the “conductor” of the big meal, but gets help from churches, nonprofits and school clubs to put together such a huge undertaking. “I’m proud to be in Merced because this town’s got big heart,” he said.

Dozens of volunteers dished up food onto plates, while others carried meals to diners. Susan Brinson, 47, of Atwater, along with her family, gathered up 15 bags of potatoes, 24 cans of vegetables and three turkeys to help feed the masses. “People need to love each other and help each other, and be there for each other,” she said.

Those in need were invited to pick out clothes from the piles that have been given to the mission.

Another diner who ate Thursday said she looks forward to the meal during the holiday season. Melody Slate, 58, of Merced said the food is always good. “You go in and they have a person who holds your plate for you,” she said. “It just makes you feel a little special, and not so lonely on the holidays.”

This story was originally published November 27, 2014 at 12:21 PM with the headline "Filling bellies in Merced on Thanksgiving."