Keeping Thanksgiving alive amid COVID-19 Pademic

PRUNEDALE, Calif. (KION)

The pandemic has put a hold on usual holiday traditions but it seems people around the Central Coast are making the best of the situation.

At Stevie’s Family Restaurant in Prunedale, more than 100 pre-ordered Thanksgiving meals have been placed and staff say many more are expected leading up to Thanksgiving. 

“Instead of staying home and spending it with my family, I decided to come out and cook for my local elderly people who have compromised immune systems…I just want everybody to stay home, to be safe," says Owner Stevie Tapia.

In Seaside, Tuesday, a Pastor and volunteers from Bethel Missionary Baptist Church are handed out bags of turkeys and groceries for residents who may not be able to afford a Thanksgiving meal. 

“Kids have come through smiling, moms are... ‘can’t I take two?’ Yes, you can take two, don’t feel ashamed, don’t feel embarrassed because you’re just like me," says Pastor Harold Lusk.

"It’s not a matter of whether we’re investigating truth or not, you say you’re in need, God blessed us with it and we’re going to be a blessing too.”

Stevie's Family Restaurant will be open Thanksgiving Day but Tapia encourages people to get their orders in ahead of time for take out to avoid large crowds.

Pastor Lusk says another distribution will be held Wenesday, November 25 at the church at 390 Elm Street in Seaside from 10 a.m. until the food bags run out.