Lighthouse Mission hosting annual banquet

This Thursday, Clovis residents are invited to remember what they’re thankful for and to stuff their bellies at Lighthouse Mission’s city-wide Thanksgiving Banquet.

Lighthouse Mission will be serving hundreds of guests delicious turkey, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and many other festive meals. That’s according to Executive Director Richard Gomez, who said Lighthouse Mission has been hosting this event for 25 years since it was founded 36 years ago.

“We don’t want anybody to be alone or hungry on Thanksgiving,” Gomez said.

Gomez said one of the biggest motivators in feeding the community this holiday season is to show appreciation to all those who have volunteered or helped the organization. He said there is no better day to show Lighthouse’s appreciation than on the day of being thankful.

“We are just grateful for the harvest we do get and we will continue to celebrate that as a Thanksgiving day,” Gomez said.

Being the busiest time of the year for Lighthouse Mission, which served about 600 people last year, Gomez said they plan on aiming even higher this year. Along with the banquet, Lighthouse Mission will also deliver to shut-ins on the holiday.

About $1,800 worth of food product was donated for this year’s event, along with 36 turkeys that will be cooked, sliced and served to guests. Gomez said for dessert guests can expect the classic pumpkin pie topped with whipped cream.

“We have different people that will buy us different things that we need. We send a newsletter monthly and they find out what we need and they help donate it. We will be buying some of the products such as paper goods,” Gomez said.

He said any leftovers from the banquet will be used to feed their program for men and women who are recovering from drugs and alcohol. Additional leftovers will then be carried into Friday, to serve for the community at their soup kitchen during lunch hours.

Though it is undetermined how many volunteers will be assisting the event, Gomez said they usually get help from Cannon Air Force Base and other communities. He said individuals who are looking to help can call Lighthouse Mission at (575) 762-1933.

Gomez said the organization is known to be a soup kitchen, clothing and furniture bank for the community.