Salvation Army provides Thanksgiving meals for community

The Salvation Army in El Centro continued its holiday tradition this year of providing Thanksgiving meals to the homeless and community members in need.

But one volunteer coordinator had a reason to be thankful this season.

It hasn’t always been easy for Carmen Avina who needed assistance in providing for her family at one time in her life.

But the Salvation Army helped her and now she’s giving back to those who were in her shoes.

Avina, now the Salvation Army’s social services clerk, said, “It’s very emotional for me. To know that at one point I was in need. Salvation Army helped me and now I’m here working with the Salvation Army as well.”

Avina knows how hard it can be for those less fortunate during Thanksgiving.

Avina added, “It’s somewhere that they can come and actually feel comfortable eating and having a hot meal for Thanksgiving.”

One Salvation Army officer said it’s about giving back to the community.

Major Antonio Horta, of the Salvation Army, said, “It gives us the opportunity to bring hope and try to fulfill some of the needs of the community.”

Residents who enjoyed the hot meals are thankful for the kindness of the Salvation Army.

Antonia Gutierrez, a local resident, said, “A lot of people, they don’t have enough to cook in their house. And when they come here, they’re very happy. They’re very happy.”