Volunteers prepare holiday meals for the homebound, those working

SAFFORD — Those alone, those with no place to go and those working enjoyed a freshly-made Thanksgiving meal, due to the volunteer efforts of a number of groups and individuals.

For the 16th year in a row, Letty Garcia opened her business, Toni’s Kitchen, to cook a full Thanksgiving meal to be delivered to homebound seniors through SEACUS’ Meals on Wheels program.

It’s the last time that Garcia will provide the Thanksgiving meal for SEACUS, as she has sold her business and is moving out of state.

“I’m so sad and happy that I’m going to be with the family, but I love this,” Garcia said.

Stephanie Nabor, executive director for SEACUS, said plans are underway to prepare next year’s holiday meal.

“It will, more than likely” be (cooked) at the Senior Center,” Nabor said. “It’s not going to stop; we will continue doing it.”

Seacus also had help from dozens of volunteers from Southwest Energy, who helped assemble and deliver the 176 meals.

Anthony Villalba, supervisor with Southwest Energy, said his team jumped at the chance to help.

“They’ve got a big heart,” Villalba said. “That’s what we’re all about; family.”

Later that day, a more than 40-year tradition continued when the Sons of the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and the American Legion prepared and hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for the community.

“If you come here, we provide a hot meal for you,” said Henry Nabor, commander of the Sons of American Legion, “and you can also visit people who we haven’t seen in a while.”

The volunteers prepared 30 turkeys and 22 hams plus all the sides to serve more than 500 meals, including 200 delivered meals for those working on the holiday — such as first responders, those at Safford mine and those working convenience stores — and homebound seniors not served by Meals on Wheels.

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