A hungry crowd of about 300 persons showed up at the Ceres Community Center Thursday evening for a meal of turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy and vegetables for the annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner.

The event was hosted by the Center for Human Services (CHS) and Ceres Partnership but a number of other groups and individuals donated all the food items. Meals were free. 

Youth volunteers assisted in serving the meal, including students from the Project YES program. Jose Saldivar, owner of La Cascada Restaurant cooked approximately 25 turkeys donated by Shane Parson of Diamond Bar Arena which were discounted by Cost Less Foods manager Del Ambris.

In addition, about 40 bags of canned foods were distributed. The food was donated by local FFA members who participated in the Day of Service event held recently at Parson’s arena.

Center for Human Services (CHS) is a local non-profit providing services to youth and families throughout Stanislaus County. In Ceres, CHS operates Ceres Partnership, a one-stop shop for families in need. Services offered include school readiness for kids, parenting classes, emergency food and clothing assistance and counseling.

“I like the Center for Human Services,” said Parson. “They do a lot of good for our community.”

Also assisting at the event was the staff of the city of Ceres Recreation Department, including Joey Chavez and Kate Lemburg.