Santa Cruz Warriors help dish out Thanksgiving Feast

“Oh delicious, I got full,” said Santa Cruz resident Jeff Turner.

Mounds of trimmings along with fifty turkeys gave many people something to be grateful for at the 27 th annual Thanksgiving meal celebration held in the Veterans Memorial Building in Santa Cruz.

‘It shows the good nature in people,” said air force veteran Leo Randal. “It shows that there are people giving instead of like you know taking.”

The dinner was hosted by the VFW Bill Motto Post 5888.

At least 1,000 come every year.

“I think we do it because we’re a charitable organization who like to support the community and advocate for the community in general,”” said Arnold Leff with the VFW Bill Motto Post 5888.

Also there to give back to the community were the Santa Cruz Warriors.

Straight from practice the team helped dish out the feast as part of their Season of Giving initiative where they’ll host and volunteer at hundreds of charitable events.

“Even with the little time that we have free time we’re able to bless and do this,” said Elliot Williams, Santa Cruz Warrior point and shooting guard.

Attendees say for them, coming to the Thanksgiving dinner was more than just about the food.

“I’m lonely and I don’t have my kids with me and I don’t have family,” said Santa Cruz resident Jozette Irgad.

After leaving the meal they will not only walk away with a full stomach, but a sense of community, belonging, and for some a short break from living outside.

“I’m just grateful for some people in the community to help us get through a day of depression maybe you know,” said Irgad.